Australia defeated England by seven wickets in a one-sided final at a sold-out Lord's Cricket Ground in London, securing their seventh Women's T20 World Cup title.

A sparkling second-wicket century partnership between Beth Mooney (64 runs) and Phoebe Litchfield (48 runs) helped Australia chase down a target of 151 with 17 balls to spare on Sunday. Litchfield's 48 came off just 35 balls.

"That's the only way in T20 cricket – throw the first punch. We just tried to get the run rate down as fast as possible," said Litchfield. She credited Mooney for easing pressure: "Moods made it look easy out there and took the pressure off me."

Mooney was named player of the tournament after her 64 from 49 balls, leading an unbeaten Australia side. "I just tried to make sure we got ahead of the game as early as possible," she said. "This is an amazing icing on the cake for what has been a pretty amazing tournament for the group."

England's under-par total of 150-4 was built around an unbroken partnership of 80 between captain Nat Sciver-Brunt (58) and Freya Kemp (44). Australia reduced England to 39-2 in the first six overs.

Lucy Hamilton picked up her first World Cup wicket, while Annabel Sutherland claimed her 50th T20 international wicket. Kim Garth was economical with 1-20 from four overs.

Australia opener Georgia Voll hit the first ball to the boundary but departed next over. Mooney and Litchfield reached 98-1 in 10 overs, maintaining aggressive momentum.

Litchfield was bowled by Dean, and Mooney fell lbw to Ecclestone. Ellyse Perry survived a controversial TV umpire decision to steer Australia home. Victory was confirmed with four wides from Ecclestone.

"They [Australia] have led the way for years. You have to be at your best to beat them, and we weren't," said England coach Charlotte Edwards. "This is a very, very good Australian team who have dominated women's cricket, and we're not too far away."

Source: www.aljazeera.com