Women’s T20 World Cup final: England ‘beaten’ by Australia but recover from strong campaign at home | Cricket news
England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has admitted his side were “played” but can be proud of finishing second to Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
Australia cruised to a record seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title after a fine final at Lord’s, as England slumped to a seven-wicket defeat for the first time in the tournament.
England slumped to 70-4 after losing the toss and batting first at home, only to reach 150-4 following Sciver-Brunt’s unbeaten 58 and an unbroken 80-run partnership with Freya Kemp (44 not out).
Beth Mooney top-scored with 64 and forged a 100-run partnership with Phoebe Litchfield (48), as Australia kept control of the chase before reaching defeat with 17 balls to spare.
“The two best teams were in the final and Australia bowled really well to stop us and not let us play freely,” Sciver-Brunt said at a press conference. “We didn’t have enough runs in the end.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
England’s Charlie Dean admits Australia were too good for England during T20 World Cup final
“Honestly, when they have such a long batting line-up, you’re always asking the openers to go out and play the game and do it in style. We couldn’t be played.”
He added: “I think you can ask the bowlers how they feel about what has just happened – maybe they would want to bowl better. The batsmen will say the same and bar Freya Kemp, who came in and played an important and brilliant innings.
Freya Kemp (left) and Nat Sciver-Brunt (right) produced England’s highest partnership in the final.
“I think we were hampered a lot by the swinging attack which has been successful all tournament. I could have tried to start the game early, but I wasn’t getting the wicket that easily, to be honest.”
It is the fourth time England have lost to Australia in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup, following defeats in 2012, 2014 and 2018, Australia also claimed the glory of the 2022 World Cup 50-over final and a historic 16-0 multi-format Ashes whitewash last January.
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Relive the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup, where Australia once again defeated England to lift the trophy
“In the World Cup, which means a lot to us, I think the biggest feeling is that we lost in the World Cup final, not the one we played against Australia,” emphasized Sciver-Brunt.
“Yes, it’s Australia but they’re very different from the one we played in The Ashes, like us. They were obviously very sick and very impressive.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Australia beat England in T20 World Cup final with 17 balls to spare
Sciver-Brunt is ‘proud’ after England finished second
Both teams entered the final with perfect records in the tournament, England winning all five of their group games before beating South Africa by 40 runs in the semi-final, leaving Sciver-Brunt proud of his side’s performance.
“We didn’t show well today, so I think the gap is there [with Australia] it’s probably closer than that [result] shows,” said Sciver-Brunt.
“I think that throughout the tournament both teams played brilliant cricket, put pressure on other teams and came out on the other side.
“Apart from this game, we won some outstanding games and we are confident in our ability and what we can do as a team. I don’t want our girls to forget how proud we are of everything we did in this tournament.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Sciver-Brunt was upset after the final
Sciver-Brunt’s excellence has been backed up by head coach Charlotte Edwards, captain of England’s 2009 World Cup-winning side, who believes there has been significant progress in the squad since she took over last spring.
“I think you’ve seen the development of some of our younger players and that’s what made me so happy about this tournament – the way they performed in the big league,” said Edwards after the game.
“I’ve seen the progress they’ve made in six months, I’m excited to work with these players for another 12 months to see where we can take them. It’s been great the strides we’ve made, but we still have more to go, which is exciting for us as a team.”
Please use the Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield produced a stunning T20 World Cup win against England at Lord’s
He added: “I’m very satisfied and very happy with where the team is at. I think the future is really bright for us as a team. We know the level, we’ve seen it today, and I think that will drive us forward and hopefully motivate us even more.”
What’s next?
The focus now shifts to the first ever women’s Test match at Lord’s, as England host India from Friday, live on Sky Sports from 10am (first kick 11am). Don’t have Sky? Stream cricket and more NOW.
