): Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: ICC Chairman Jay Shah hails record-breaking attendance and viewership ahead of England-Australia final

ICC Chairman Jay Shah hailed the 2026 Women's T20 World Cup as a record-breaking success in global viewership and attendance. The statement comes just ahead of the blockbuster final between heavyweights England and Australia at Lord's

London: Ahead of the high-octane final between England and Australia, International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Jay Shah has hailed the ongoing 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup as a record-shattering success, noting that it has emerged as the biggest edition of the tournament in terms of on-ground attendance and global viewership.

The title clash between the two cricketing powerhouses is scheduled to take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday. “We had ambitions for this T20 World Cup to be the biggest ever, and with record-breaking crowds and huge viewership across the globe on TV and digital, we have achieved that,” Shah posted on his X account.

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Looking forward to the blockbuster finale, Shah extended his best wishes to both finalists. “Best of luck to England and Australia, who will no doubt put on a great contest in the Final at Lord’s,” he added.

The high-stakes encounter marks the fourth time Australia and England have contested the tournament’s summit clash, having previously met in the 2012, 2014, and 2018 finals—all of which were won by Australia.

Six-time champions Australia enter the title decider as firm favorites after a flawless run of six consecutive victories. Led by Sophie Molineux, who took over the captaincy following Alyssa Healy’s retirement in March, Australia secured their final berth with a commanding eight-wicket win over the West Indies at The Oval.

Meanwhile, hosts England earned their place in the final after defeating South Africa by 40 runs in their semifinal fixture at The Oval. The Nat Sciver-Brunt-led side is aiming to capture its second T20 World Cup crown and repeat its historic triumph from the inaugural edition, achieved at this very venue back in 2009.

Prior to the title clash, global music icons Rita Ora and Clean Bandit will perform in a star-studded closing ceremony to mark the conclusion of the tenth edition of the tournament.