‘So really nice that we’ve…’ – Beth Mooney reflects after Australia’s record-extending T20 World Cup triumph over England

Australia star Beth Mooney once again proved why she is one of the biggest performers on the grandest stage, producing a match-winning knock to help her side secure a record-extending seventh ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. The left-handed opener was named both the Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament after Australia’s commanding seven-wicket victory over England in the final.

Chasing a target of 151, Mooney anchored the innings with a sublime 64 off 49 deliveries, striking 10 boundaries as Australia raced to victory in just 17.1 overs. Her latest heroics capped off another outstanding ICC campaign, with the 32-year-old finishing as Australia’s highest run-scorer in the tournament.

Mooney amassed 238 runs in six innings at an impressive average of 47.60 and a strike rate of 142.51, registering three half-centuries during Australia’s unbeaten run to the title.

Speaking after Australia’s triumph, Mooney admitted that the victory held extra significance after the team fell short in recent ICC events. She also highlighted the growth the squad has shown over the past year.

“This has been on the calendar for a little while for us. It’s just nice to be part of the squad first and foremost and have a role to play, opening the batting and wicketkeeping. There’s been a lot of evolution in this group in the last 12 months, and a lot of growth and some fun times as well. So really nice that we’ve capped it off with this today,” Mooney was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

The experienced opener also credited Australia’s fearless brand of cricket, along with the support staff and squad depth, for their dominant campaign.

“I think just playing the game with a bit of conviction, a lot of freedom, a lot of bravery, and backing each other and having more belief. Our coaching staff and support staff are amazing. We had a couple of niggles along the way, but we’ve managed to have a full squad to pick from in a big game, and you can’t shy away from how important that is. We’ve been on the road for five and a half weeks, and plenty of people have come halfway across the world to support us. We’ve definitely felt the love here in England,” she continued.

Mooney creates multiple Women’s T20 World Cup records

Apart from playing a decisive role in Australia’s title-winning campaign, Mooney also etched her name into the history books with several remarkable achievements.

She became the first player to win the Player of the Match award in two Women’s T20 World Cup finals, having previously claimed the honour in the 2023 final. Across both the men’s and women’s tournaments, only former West Indies all-rounder Marlon Samuels has achieved the same feat, winning the award in the men’s finals in 2012 and 2016.

Mooney also became the first cricketer to win the Player of the Tournament award twice in the Women’s T20 World Cup, adding the 2026 accolade to the one she won in 2020. In doing so, she matched Virat Kohli’s record in the men’s competition, where he claimed the award in 2014 and 2016.

To cap off an extraordinary tournament, Mooney also became just the second player in Women’s T20 World Cup history to complete the coveted Player of the Tournament, Player of the Match (Final) double in the same edition, following Amelia Kerr’s achievement in 2024.

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