Jamaica will play for the gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Netball competition after upsetting four-time winners, and reigning champions, Australia in a thriller at The Hydro. 

Silver medallists last time out, Jamaica will take on New Zealand in Sunday's final after the Silver Ferns overcame England 61-54 in the earlier semi-final. 

“We knew we had it in us. We're carrying a bit of vengeance from the last Commonwealth Games,” Jamaican captain Shamera Sterling-Humphrey said.

“Coming into these Games we knew we had a team that could get the job done. Having the experience from our SSN (the Super Netball league in Australia) players, including myself, helped us get over the line today.”

Sterling-Humphrey was a constant thorn in Australia's side, making numerous crucial interceptions to break up the champions' play. 

"People always say big players have to step up in the big games, and I'm glad I was able to do that for my team today," she said.

"More importantly, I thought we played as a real unit. I know everyone back in Jamaica will be cheering us on. We've graduated from bronze medals - we didn't want bronze this year.

“We know New Zealand will be a tough challenge, but we'll battle them the same way we battled Australia today. We're going to fight until the very end.”

In a closely fought contest, the Jamaicans edged the first quarter 13-10 against the world No.1, but the Diamonds retained their cutting edge and the match went into the final period locked at 35-35.

Driven by Romelda Aiken and Shanice Beckford, Jamaica pulled four points clear as the clock ticked down and tension mounted. 

With the Prince and Princess of Wales among the enthralled fans cheering from the stands, Australia fought back once more, an effort from Cara Koenen putting them to within a point with 36 seconds remaining. 

As Jamaica attempted to run down the clock, Sophie Dwyer had an opportunity to level the scores at the death, but her shot failed to land and with the miss went her nation's chance of an eighth successive Commonwealth Games final. It is the first time they have missed the showpiece game. 

Jamaica’s gold-medal rivals New Zealand will go into Sunday’s game with a lot of confidence, and will hope to replicate the high-energy performance they brought to their semi-final with England.

“We're feeling really good about our game plan," goal shooter Grace Nweke said. "We're at the point now where everything is coming together.”

While England’s tactical changes - particularly their six substitutions in the last 15 minutes including Olivia Tchine coming on for Eleanor Cardwell at goal shooter - allowed them to outscore the New Zealanders in the final quarter, it was not enough.

“We really thought we could do it, but the Silver Ferns came out firing,” said Cardwell.

“There were some things we just didn't have answers for.

“I'm really proud of the fight we showed. It just wasn't enough today. Now we've got to recover, get ready for tomorrow, and make sure we come away with that medal around our neck.”

Sunday's final between Jamaica and New Zealand will begin at 13:00 local time.