The New Zealand women’s cricket team made history by winning their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup title, beating South Africa by 32 runs in the final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After previously failing to reach the finals in 2009 and 2010, the Black Caps will finally claim the coveted trophy in 2024.
South Africa, who reached the final under the leadership of Laura Wolfhardt, began their chase with 159 runs forcefully, reaching 51 runs without losing a wicket. However, the New Zealand bowlers soon turned things around, with Tazmin Britts’ dismissal sparking the collapse. Wolfhardt top-scored for South Africa with 33 runs off 27 balls, but the rest of the line-up struggled. Only Chloe Tryon and Aneri Derksen managed to reach double figures, scoring 14 and 10 runs, respectively. The Proteas ended their innings at 126/9.
The New Zealand bowling attack was led by Amelia Kerr and Rosemary Mair, both of whom took three wickets each. Aiden Carson, Fran Jonas and Brooke Halliday also contributed one wicket each, as the New Zealanders won thanks to exceptional bowling.
Earlier, after being invited to bat by South Africa, New Zealand scored 158/5 in their allotted 20 overs. Susie Bates, Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday were outstanding artists with the paddle. Kerr was the top run-scorer, taking 43 off 38 deliveries, while Halliday contributed 38 off 28 balls. Betts added 32 runs off 31 deliveries.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine could only manage six runs before she was dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. Despite some early losses, the Black Caps’ total proved too much for South Africa as they secured their first T20 World Cup title.
Playing with the eleventh squad:
New Zealand: Susie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddie Green, Isabella Guise, Rosemary Mair, Leah Tahoe, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
South Africa: Laura Wolfhardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Busch, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Sonny Loos, Aneri Derksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
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