New Zealand’s women’s cricket team made history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After previously falling short in the finals in 2009 and 2010, the Black Caps finally secured the coveted trophy in 2024.
South Africa, who reached the final led by Laura Wolvaardt, began their chase of 159 runs strongly, reaching 51 runs without losing a wicket. However, New Zealand’s bowlers quickly turned the tide, with Tazmin Brits’ dismissal sparking a collapse. Wolvaardt top-scored for South Africa with 33 runs off 27 balls, but the rest of the lineup struggled. Only Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen managed to reach double figures, scoring 14 and 10 runs respectively. The Proteas ended their innings at 126/9.
New Zealand’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Amelia Kerr and Rosemary Mair, who both took three wickets each. Eden Carson, Fran Jonas, and Brooke Halliday also contributed with one wicket apiece, with the Kiwis winning thanks to their exceptional bowling.
Earlier, after being invited to bat by South Africa, New Zealand posted 158/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Brooke Halliday were the standout performers with the bat. Kerr was the highest scorer, with 43 off 38 deliveries, while Halliday contributed a crucial 38 off 28 balls. Bates added 32 runs off 31 deliveries.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine could only manage six runs before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. Despite some early losses, the Black Caps’ total proved too much for South Africa, securing their first T20 World Cup title.
Playing XIs:
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
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