Cricket fans lash Ellyse Perry drama in World Cup final as Aussie claims astonishing record

The Australian women's cricket team have claimed their seventh T20 World Cup trophy after downing England by seven wickets in a one-sided final at Lord's. The victory also saw Ellyse Perry notch an astonishing slice of cricket history by becoming the first player to win nine major ICC World Cup titles, having also claimed two 50-over titles with Australia.

Perry's historic feat did not come without controversy though, with the Aussie star gifted a huge reprieve after it appeared she had been caught out late in the innings. The umpiring decision had little bearing on the outcome of the final, however, as player of the tournament Beth Mooney and Phoebe Litchfield combined for a brilliant century partnership to set up Australia's win.

Aussie skipper Sophie Molineux won the toss and sent the home side into bat. But England's 4-150 never looked like being enough as Mooney and Litchfield took it to the home side's bowling attack. Mooney's 64 off 49 balls was her fourth successive half-century in a global final, cementing her status as a big-game star and taking out player of the match honours in the process.

Litchfield chipped in with a handy 48 off 35, including a superb switch-hit for six that was arguably the shot of the final. The Aussie pair put on exactly 100 runs for the second wicket after opener Georgia Voll fell for just six. But with the century stand coming off just 66 balls, it dented any faint hopes England may have had.

Fans fume as Ellyse Perry given huge reprieve

Even when Litchfield departed just two runs shy of her half century, Perry and Ash Gardner took the reins to guide Australia home. There was a moment of contention involving Perry when Australia were seven runs from victory though, with England's Sophie Ecclestone taking a clean catch to remove the veteran at mid-off.

Perry was halfway back to the pavilion before being called back to the middle in controversial fashion after the third umpire deemed it was not out. The official claimed part of the ball hit the turf as Ecclestone caught it. Most agreed that it wouldn't have changed the outcome of the final but critics slammed the decision across social media.

Ellyse Perry wins ninth ICC World Cup trophy

Perry's record-extending ninth World Cup title saw her edge one clear of fellow Aussie legends Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning for the most in ICC history. Perry said it was extra special to do it under Molineux, whose appointment as captain had come under fire in some quarters. "It has been a joy to be a part of this team with Sophie leading in her first World Cup. This has been a privilege of a lifetime," Perry said.

Molineux was spotted in emotional scenes with her dad after the game, having led her unbeaten side to seven-straight wins and another World Cup title. "It's been an incredibly special day," the Aussie skipper said. "I'm just so, so proud of the group. We haven't won one of these for a while, I hope it becomes one of the great sides."

with AAP

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