Women’s T20 WC: Jacquline Williams, Vrinda Rathi to officiate final between England and Australia at Lord’s

Dubai, July 3 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday announced the match officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, with experienced umpires Jacquline Williams and India’s Vrinda Rathi set to take charge of the title clash between England and Australia at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.

The final, set to start at 8:00 PM IST, will feature unbeaten hosts England facing six-time champions Australia. This match revisits one of the greatest rivalries in women’s cricket.

Williams, who is officiating her fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, has had another strong tournament. She was on the field for the opening match on June 12, where England defeated Sri Lanka at Edgbaston. She also oversaw England’s 40-run semi-final win over South Africa and Australia’s important six-wicket Group A victory against India.

Sunday’s final will be Williams’ second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final as an on-field umpire. She previously officiated Australia’s 19-run win over South Africa in the 2023 final. For Rathi, this appointment marks a significant milestone as she prepares to officiate her first Women’s T20 World Cup final. During the tournament, she has overseen victories for both finalists, including Australia’s strong semi-final win over the West Indies and England’s four-wicket victory over Ireland.

New Zealand’s Kim Cotton is the third umpire, while Sri Lanka’s Nimali Perera will serve as the fourth umpire. Experienced Indian official GS Lakshmi has been named the match referee for this major event. Lakshmi also officiated the tournament opener between England and Sri Lanka, as well as Sri Lanka’s memorable five-wicket victory over New Zealand in Southampton.

Tournament hosts England will face six-time champions Australia in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday. This matchup will renew one of the biggest rivalries in women’s cricket. It will be the fourth time these two teams have met in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, following past encounters in 2012, 2014, and 2018. The match will start at 3:30 PM local time on July 5.

Australia reached the final with a strong eight-wicket victory over the West Indies in the first semi-final at The Oval. Meanwhile, unbeaten hosts England secured their spot with a convincing 40-run win over South Africa. England will be chasing their second Women’s T20 World Cup crown, having won the first tournament at Lord’s in 2009. Australia, on the other hand, aims to add a record-extending seventh title to their impressive collection, following wins in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018, 2020, and 2023.

–IANS

hs/bsk/