Women's T20 WC: Jacquline Williams, Vrinda Rathi to officiate final between England and Australia at Lord's
Dubai, July 3
The International Cricket Council 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
Reader Comments
This is fantastic news! GS Lakshmi as match referee and Vrinda Rathi on field – Indian women officials are making their mark globally. The 2023 final had Vrinda as fourth umpire, and now she's on-field! 😍 Progress is real. Can't wait to see England vs Australia at Lord's!
Great to see diversity in ICC match officials. Vrinda Rathi has been consistent this tournament. But I hope the focus remains on the cricket – England vs Australia at Lord's is always special. Australia are favorites again, but England have home support. Should be a cracker!
Honestly, this is exactly what the women's game needed – more representation of Asian officials. But I hope the BCCI and ICC continue to invest in training more umpires from India. We have so much talent, and it's not just about playing. Good luck Vrinda! 🇮🇳
Happy for Vrinda, she's earned it. But I hope she doesn't feel too much pressure. Lord's final between Ashes rivals is no small stage. Australia have won 6 of the last 7 tournaments, so they're the team to beat. England will need their best game. Great appointment though!
Seeing Indian women officials at this level gives me goosebumps! Vrinda Rathi has worked so hard – she was also part of the 2023 World Cup. Now on-field at Lord's for the final? That's a dream for any umpire. GS Lakshmi is a legend too. This is what progress looks like! 🙌
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