Ellyse Perry added another landmark to her long career as Australia walked out for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 final against England at Lord's. The moment she stepped onto the field for the title clash, Perry became jointly the player to have featured in the most finals in the history of the Women's T20 World Cup.
No Changes To Either Playing Eleven
This is the tenth edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, and it comes down to a final between Australia and England. Ahead of the contest, the Australian captain won the toss and chose to bowl first, sending England in to bat while Australia set up to chase. Notably, neither side made a single change to the playing eleven that had won them their respective semifinals, suggesting both camps preferred to stick with the combinations that had already delivered on the biggest stage.
Matching Alyssa Healy's Mark
With this appearance, Perry has now played in seven Women's T20 World Cup finals across her career. That puts her level with former Australian captain and wicketkeeper batter Alyssa Healy on the list of players with the most final appearances in the tournament's history, since Healy too has featured in seven finals of her own. The record for most finals played now stands jointly in the name of these two Australian cricketers.
Australia's Final Dominance
Australia's record in Women's T20 World Cup finals has been formidable. The side has won all three of its previous finals against England, underlining just how one sided this particular final rivalry has been. Looking at the tournament overall, Australia has lost a final only once, back in 2016, when the West Indies beat them to the title. Every other final appearance has ended in an Australian triumph, giving the side a significant psychological and statistical edge heading into this Lord's showdown.
Could This Be Perry's Last World Cup
Perry has long been regarded as one of the most dependable players in Australian women's cricket, contributing consistently with both bat and ball across a career that has spanned years at the top level. At 35, though, there has been persistent speculation about how much longer she will continue playing international cricket. Given her age and current fitness, many believe this Women's T20 World Cup could be her last. That makes this final at the historic Lord's ground a contest that could go down as one of the most memorable and emotional moments of her celebrated international career.
