Ireland Celebrate First World Cup Win
Ireland finally secured their first victory in a Women's T20 World Cup after five tournaments, 22 matches, and 12 years of trying. The historic win came against West Indies in Bristol, where they chased down 129 thanks to Orla Prendergast's 63 runs. Footage of the team singing 'Ireland's Call' in the dressing room afterward showed just how much it meant.
Nat Sciver-Brunt: Player of the Tournament
While Beth Mooney was named player of the tournament for her magnificent innings in the final, Nat Sciver-Brunt deserves special recognition. She handled the media commitments of being England captain in a home tournament and lived with the uncertainty of a calf injury for weeks. In the four matches she played, she scored 46 not out, 48, 75, and 58 not out. Despite England's loss in the final, she did all she could to bring cricket home.
Best Match: Australia v India at Lord's
The group-stage match between Australia and India at Lord's felt like a final. India supporters filled the stands, cheering every run, helping break the record for a Women's T20 World Cup group-stage match with a final crowd of 27,163. Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner paced the run-chase of 171 perfectly, winning with an over to spare and sending India crashing out.
Best Moment: Kirstie Gordon and Irish Joy
Watching Scotland's Kirstie Gordon take a wicket first ball against England, the team that rejected her, was pure joy. But the award goes to Ireland's first World Cup win, achieved after 12 years of effort.
Biggest Surprise: Sophie Molineux's Captaincy
Sophie Molineux was questioned for her suitability as Australia's captain, but she finished the tournament as Australia's leading wicket-taker, ensured they remained undefeated, and made everyone laugh with her unique captaincy style. According to Ellyse Perry, "We have truly entered the Molineux Era."
Most Poignant Farewell: New Zealand Legends
New Zealand were knocked out before the semi-finals, unable to deliver a fairytale ending for Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu. England head coach Charlotte Edwards organized a guard of honour after her team beat New Zealand at the Oval, providing a moment to appreciate the trio, who represent the last of the amateur generation.
Bridging the Gap to Australia
West Indies captain Hayley Matthews called for fairer redistribution of ICC revenue, noting that 40% of the global governing body's earnings go to the Indian board, compared with just over 4% for the West Indies. "It makes it really hard for us to compete when we don't have pathway programmes in place," she said. The ICC is due to meet in Edinburgh this week, with hopes that redistribution is on the agenda.
Tournament Success
The tournament was a success, with record total attendance of approximately 245,000. England's standing with the public has been restored since their Ashes showing 18 months ago. Women's cricket featured on The Archers, Bargain Hunt, Antiques Roadshow, and in Vogue. However, concerns remain as tournament director Beth Barrett-Wild is about to leave the ECB.
