Australia's women's cricket team secured their seventh T20 World Cup trophy with a dominant seven-wicket victory over England in the final at Lord's, but the triumph was overshadowed by controversy surrounding Ellyse Perry's historic achievement. The veteran all-rounder became the first player ever to win nine major ICC World Cup titles, adding to her two 50-over crowns, but her milestone was marred by a contentious umpiring decision late in the chase.

With Australia needing just seven runs, Perry appeared to be caught cleanly at mid-off by England's Sophie Ecclestone and had begun walking back to the pavilion. However, the third umpire intervened and ruled it not out, claiming part of the ball had touched the turf during the catch. Cricket fans erupted on social media, slamming the decision as a "gift" and arguing that Ecclestone had taken a fair catch.

Although the reprieve had little impact on the outcome, Australia cruised home with overs to spare, critics accused the officials of robbing England of a consolation wicket. Player of the tournament Beth Mooney starred with her fourth successive half-century in global finals, scoring 64 off 49 balls, while Phoebe Litchfield contributed a dazzling 48, including a switch-hit six for the ages.

The pair added exactly 100 runs for the second wicket, effectively killing the contest after England managed only 150-4. Skipper Sophie Molineux, whose captaincy appointment had faced scrutiny, celebrated her first World Cup triumph, with Perry describing the victory as a "privilege of a lifetime" and praising the team's collective spirit.