Charlotte Edwards admitted England were “completely outplayed” as Australia thrashed them by seven wickets in the Women’s T20 World Cup final at a sold-out Lord’s, but the head coach insisted her side had “won back the fans” after a period of intense scrutiny.
Australia reeled off their record-extending seventh T20 crown with 17 balls to spare, chasing down England’s 150 for four after a 100-run stand between Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield. Mooney, who also made fifties in the 2020 and 2023 finals, top-scored with 64 before falling with 11 still needed.
“England lost to Australia by seven wickets in T20 World Cup final; Edwards says team has won back fans despite defeat.”
England had reached their first T20 World Cup final since 2018 after six consecutive wins, a remarkable turnaround given their group-stage exit in 2024 and a humbling 16-0 Ashes defeat 18 months ago that raised uncomfortable questions about their professionalism and fitness. Under Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, their fielding – which had dropped off alarmingly – markedly improved.
“They’ve won back the fans, which is outstanding, and I can’t thank the supporters enough,” Edwards told the BBC’s Test Match Special. “We’re not talking about fitness or fielding, I wanted us to talk about the cricket. So although we’ve missed out today, I don’t think we should be disheartened.”
Sciver-Brunt chewed up 53 deliveries for her unbeaten 58, while Freya Kemp made a more up-tempo 44 not out, but their efforts were overshadowed by Australia’s chase. “The conditions weren’t easy – Nat Sciver-Brunt said that and she’s one of the best batters in the world,” Edwards added. “We probably just didn’t get that partnership going early on but Kemp and Nat were brilliant to get us up to a total. But they are a very, very good team and we were completely outplayed there in the end.”
As the final unfolded, a group of spectators at Lord’s were hoping they might one day get the same chance to represent their country on the world stage: Afghanistan’s female cricketers, who currently play as a refugee team after receiving threats from the Taliban. Many are now based in Australia and are on their own England tour this week.
Edwards, though, looked to the future. “I’m really proud of the team. Where we’ve come from, the way we’ve played through this tournament – so many positives. T20 cricket is tough and we competed today but we just weren’t quite good enough. Lots of positive signs for the future.”