Eng-W vs Aus-W T20 World Cup Final Live: England Set 151 Target

LONDON: An unbeaten half-century from captain Nat Sciver-Brunt and an explosive late-innings assault by Freya Kemp rescued England Women from an early collapse, propelling the hosts to a competitive 150 for 4 in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final at Lord’s.

After Australia won the toss and elected to bowl under overcast skies, their lethal bowling attack immediately validated the decision. Seventeen-year-old sensation Lucy Hamilton silenced the packed home crowd in the second over, eliciting an inside edge from tournament top-scorer Amy Jones (6), which flew straight to Georgia Voll at backward point.

Australia’s disciplined Powerplay bowling strangled the host nation's rhythm. Annabel Sutherland soon capitalized on the mounting pressure, striking a massive blow by removing the dangerous opener Danni Wyatt-Hodge for just 8, courtesy of a brilliant catch by Beth Mooney. When Alice Capsey fell shortly after trying to force the pace against an unrelenting spin attack, England found themselves reeling and looking desperately for a partnership.

Standing tall under immense pressure, Sciver-Brunt played an innings of sheer class and grit. She anchored the recovery, pacing her innings beautifully to reach a vital, unbeaten 58 off 53 deliveries. She found an aggressive, fearless ally in Freya Kemp, who completely shifted the momentum during the death overs.

Kemp dismantled the Australian death-bowling blueprint, smashing a rapid 44 runs off just 28 balls. Her counter-attacking knock featured exquisite boundary-striking that forced fields back and rattled the reigning champions' discipline. Together, Sciver-Brunt and Kemp forged an unbroken 62-run partnership, yielding a flurry of boundaries in the final four overs to push the total to 150.

While Hamilton (1-19) and Sutherland starred early (1-34), Australia's slower bowlers took some late punishment, leaving the six-time champions needing a meticulous chase of 151 runs on a slowing Lord's surface to defend their global crown.

Individual Statistics

• England Women: 150/4 (20 overs)
• Nat Sciver-Brunt: 58* off 53 balls
• Freya Kemp: 44* off 28 balls
• Lucy Hamilton: 1 wicket

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