Australia’s World Cup Win, Babar Azam As Pakistan Captain And ODI Rule Change- July 5 Cricket Highlights

Australia cricket team and Babar Azam [Source: AFP]

Australia Women sealed a record-extending seventh ICC Women's T20 World Cup title with a commanding win over England at Lord's. Meanwhile, Babar Azam returned as Pakistan's Test captain ahead of crucial overseas assignments, while the ICC prepared to discuss major proposals that could reshape international cricket.

Away from the field, Mustafizur Rahman received clearance to play in The Hundred, and fresh details emerged regarding the dates and host of the 2027 Asia Cup. Wrapping up another action-packed day in cricket, here are the five biggest cricket stories from Sunday, July 5.

Australia Lift The Women’s T20 World Cup For The 7th Time

Australia Women clinched their seventh ICC Women's T20 World Cup title with a dominant seven-wicket victory over England in the 2026 final at Lord's.

England posted 150/4, thanks to unbeaten knocks from Nat Sciver-Brunt (58) and Freya Kemp (44). In reply, Australia produced a clinical chase, led by Beth Mooney's 64 off 49 balls and Phoebe Litchfield's 48, before Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner finished the job with 17 balls to spare.

Australia remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and extended their perfect record against England in Women's T20 World Cup finals to 4-0.

Babar Azam Becomes Pakistan Test Captain

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reappointed Babar Azam as the Test captain for the upcoming tours of West Indies and England, replacing Shan Masood.

Pakistan will play a two-match Test series in the West Indies from July 25 to August 6, followed by a three-match series in England from August 19 to September 13.

The captaincy change comes after Pakistan's poor run under Masood, who managed just four wins in 16 Tests. Babar previously captained Pakistan in the format between 2021 and 2023 and now returns to lead the side during an important overseas Test season.

Also Read- Beth Mooney Leaves Greats Behind in T20 World Cup Knockouts

Mustafizur Rahman Granted NOC to Play Franchise Cricket

The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to national players for overseas franchise tournaments. Star pacer Mustafizur Rahman has received an NOC from July 20 to August 20 to play almost the entire 2026 edition of The Hundred for Birmingham Phoenix.

Earlier this year, he became the first Bangladesh cricketer to be picked in The Hundred draft, earning a £100,000 contract. Mustafizur will also feature against several teams owned by IPL franchise investors during the tournament.

Asia Cup 2027 Dates And Host Revealed

The Asia Cup 2027 will reportedly be held in Bangladesh from June 18 to July 4 in the ODI format, serving as preparation for the ODI World Cup later that year in South Africa.

Despite earlier speculation over a venue change due to strained India-Bangladesh relations, Bangladesh is set to retain the hosting rights.

Reports also suggest that cricket ties between the BCCI and BCB are improving under the new Bangladesh Cricket Board leadership, increasing the likelihood of India travelling to Bangladesh for the tournament. However, the schedule and hosting details are yet to receive official confirmation from the participating boards.

ODI Shortening And WTC Expansion Proposed By ICC

The ICC will discuss three major proposals at its Annual General Meeting in Edinburgh on July 8 under chairman Jay Shah. The biggest suggestion is to reduce the role of ODIs by limiting them to the 18 months before each World Cup and potentially shortening matches from 50 overs to 40 or fewer.

Another proposal is for the ICC to take control of a revived World Club Championship featuring franchise teams. The council will also consider expanding the World Test Championship from nine to all 12 full-member nations by including Ireland, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.

Also Read: “Save Cricket From Australia”: Fans Bow Down As Australia Win 7th T20 World Cup Title