Women’s T20 World Cup 2026: Why was Sophie Ecclestone’s catch to dismiss Ellyse Perry overturned?

There was late drama in the Women’s T20 World Cup final between England and Australia at the Lord’s Cricket Ground on Sunday.

With the chase in the bag, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner were cantering towards victory when Perry’s lofted drive over mid-off went into a diving Sophie Ecclestone’s hands instead. Perry had begun to walk withy the decision referred to the third umpire. To the shock of everyone on the field, and to big boos from a chunk of the 28,000+ crowd in attendance, Perry was deemed not out.

This potentially may have come down to doubt over whether Ecclestone got her fingers under the ball adequately.

Ecclestone couldn’t believe the decision, looking flummoxed as she watched Perry walk back to her mark. Charlie Dean walked over to calm her down as the third umpire’s call prevailed.

By this time, the fixture was well out of England’s control with Australia, chasing 151, needing just seven runs with close to three overs left.