Beth Mooney named T20WC Aramco Player of the Tournament

Beth Mooney once again proved she's the player for big occasions as she led Australia to a seven-wicket win over England in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday.

After a clinical bowling performance by Australia restricted England to 150/4, Mooney anchored the chase with 64 off 49 balls, and struck 10 boundaries along the way.

Mooney's efforts with the bat saw her named the Aramco Player of the Match and also claim the award for the Aramco Player of the Tournament.

It is the second time she has been adjudged Player of the Tournament at a Women'a T20 World Cup, after she also claimed the award on home soil in 2020.

The knock took her tournament tally to 238 runs in seven matches, at an average of 47.60. She finished second in the list of highest scorers at the tournament, behind Danni Wyatt-Hodge's 302. The 32-year-old also took five catch behind the stumps in her role as keeper

Mooney said the title was a team effort, with all members of the squad making vital contributions after the team failed to lift the trophy at the previous edition in 2024.

"This has been on the calendar for a little while for us," Mooney said after the match.

"It's just nice to be part of the squad first and foremost and have a role to play, opening the batting and wicket-keeping. 

"There's been a lot of evolution in this group in the last 12 months, and a lot of growth and some fun times as well. So really nice that we've capped it off with this today."

Mooney credited her fellow top-order batters for allowing her to play her natural game when at the crease.

"I think just playing the game with a bit of conviction, a lot of freedom, a lot of bravery, and backing each other and having more belief," she said.

"Our coaching staff and support staff are amazing. We had a couple of niggles along the way, but we've managed to have a full squad to pick from in a big game, and you can't shy away from how important that is. 

"We've been on the road for five and a half weeks, and plenty of people have come halfway across the world to support us. We've definitely felt the love here in England."

Australia skipper Sophie Molineux said Mooney's leadership had helped her grow into the role of captain.

“Moons is incredible. She's built for finals. She is so incredibly consistent, and I think her game's gotten better over the last few months," Molineux said.

“She plays with this freedom, but at the same time, she's probably the smartest cricketer I've ever played with.

“The way she can sum up situations and be able to grind out innings, and at the same time, like today, she has got all the shots and is able to play freely.

“She's a leader in this group of girls. They listen when she speaks. She's the backbone to our batting group, and her behind the stumps was just next level today.”

It was the third time that Mooney has scored a half-century in a T20 World Cup final. She had reached the personal milestone in winning efforts in the 2020 and 2023 summit clash as well.

In the final against England at the Lord's Cricket Ground, Australia finished at 153/3 in 17.1 overs to complete the highest successful run chase in a women's T20 World Cup final. 

The result meant, Australia returned to the summit of T20 cricket after three years. Australia have now won seven T20 World Cup titles to go with their seven ODI World Cups.