The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Final, which will be played between hosts England and six-time champions Australia at Lord’s, London, on Sunday, July 5, 2026.
The title match will be overseen by an experienced team of officials. Jacquline Williams and Vrinda Rathi have been appointed as the on-field umpires, while Kim Cotton will serve as the third umpire. Nimali Perera has been named as the fourth umpire, and GS Lakshmi will be the match referee.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest as both England and Australia have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. England reached the final after defeating South Africa by 40 runs in the second semi-final at The Oval. Australia booked their place by beating West Indies by eight wickets in the first semi-final and will now look to win a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title.
For Jacquline Williams, this appointment is another major achievement in her long umpiring career. She is officiating in her fifth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and has already stood in a World Cup final before. Williams was one of the on-field umpires during the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final, where Australia defeated South Africa to lift the trophy.
Williams has also officiated several important matches during this year’s tournament. She stood in the opening match between England and Sri Lanka, where the hosts won by 87 runs. She was also one of the on-field umpires during England’s 40-run semi-final victory over South Africa and Australia’s important six-wicket win against India during the group stage.
Meanwhile, this will be a special occasion for Vrinda Rathi, who will stand in her first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final as an on-field umpire. The Indian official has impressed throughout the tournament and has already been involved in matches featuring both finalists.
During the group stage, Rathi officiated England’s four-wicket victory over Ireland. She also stood in Australia’s comfortable semi-final win over West Indies, giving her experience of handling matches involving both teams before the final.
New Zealand’s Kim Cotton has been appointed as the third umpire for the final. Cotton has worked regularly in ICC women’s tournaments and brings plenty of experience to one of the biggest matches in world cricket.
Nimali Perera will perform the duties of fourth umpire. She has also been part of the ICC officiating panel throughout the tournament and will assist the on-field officials during the final.
Former India captain GS Lakshmi will take charge as the match referee. Lakshmi is one of the most experienced match referees in women’s international cricket and has been involved in many major ICC events over the years.
Earlier in this tournament, Lakshmi served as the match referee for the opening game between England and Sri Lanka. She also oversaw Sri Lanka’s famous victory over New Zealand, one of the biggest results of the competition.
With two unbeaten teams preparing for the biggest match of the tournament, the experienced panel of officials will play an important role in ensuring the final is conducted smoothly and fairly.
England are chasing their second ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, having won the inaugural edition in 2009, and will hope to lift the trophy in front of their home fans. Australia, meanwhile, will aim to continue their remarkable dominance in the tournament by winning a record-extending seventh Women’s T20 World Cup title at the Home of Cricket.
Loves all things female cricket