Xplorich
NEW DELHI: Before a ball was bowled in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 final, Nat Sciver-Brunt gave Lord’s a memory that went far beyond cricket.As England walked out for the title clash against Australia on Sunday, the England captain was accompanied by her infant son, Theo. Holding his tiny hand as they made their way onto the field, Sciver-Brunt smiled at the packed Lord’s crowd before carrying him through the pre-match national anthem.The touching moment received a warm ovation from the spectators and quickly became one of the standout images of the tournament. Watching from the stands was her wife, former England fast bowler Katherine Sciver-Brunt, making the occasion even more special for the family.
A celebration that now carries even greater meaning
It was not the first time Theo had been part of one of Sciver-Brunt’s memorable cricket moments.During the Women’s World Cup in October 2025, after scoring a match-winning 117 against Sri Lanka, Sciver-Brunt celebrated her tenth ODI century by gently rocking her bat like a baby.It was her first international hundred as a mother and also her first as England captain, helping her side register an 89-run victory over Sri Lanka.That celebration now feels even more meaningful after Sunday’s emotional walk onto the Lord’s outfield with Theo in her arms.
Australia choose to bowl in the final
Australia won the toss and elected to bowl first in the final. Captain Sophie Molineux retained the same XI and said her side wanted to make early use of the conditions.“We’re going to have a bowl. Beautiful day, want to put pressure on them early. Don’t think the pitch will change too much. No changes. Pez (Perry) pulled up well after the training yesterday,” Molineux said.England also named an unchanged side. Sciver-Brunt admitted she would have bowled first as well but was happy to set a target in a final.“Was going to bowl as well. It’s a fresh wicket – runs on the board in the final is no bad thing. We’re unchanged. Will be silly of me not to lean on that experience. One more run than the opposition, I suppose,” she said.
