Women’s T20 World Cup: New Zealand defeat South Africa by 32 runs to lift trophy
New Zealand have emerged as the winners of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. The White Ferns won against Laura Wolvaardt’s South Africa by 32 runs in the final on Super Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, joining Australia, England, and West Indies as winners.
Following two final losses in 2009 and 2010, the White Ferns finally won the prestigious trophy.
Sophie Devine could not have asked for a better end to her stint as the captain of the New Zealand women’s T20I team.
Regarding the Proteas, they have lost three consecutive T20 World Cup finals. Having missed out last year under Sune Luus, Aiden Markram’s men’s team could not have the last laugh back in June. Wolvaardt promised continuously, but her attempts were simply not enough.
Kerr, Halliday lead New Zealand to 158/5
New Zealand suffered an early setback when Georgia Plimmer was dismissed by Ayobonga Khaka, providing South Africa with the crucial early breakthrough.
However, Suzie Bates, who surpassed Mithali Raj to become the player with the most appearances in women’s international matches, stabilized the team by scoring 32 runs before Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissed her. In her final game as the White Ferns’ T20I skipper, Skipper Devine was only able to contribute six runs.
But it was the duo of Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday that helped New Zealand post a decent total of 158 for the loss of five wickets. Halliday looked aggressive as she made 38 runs off 28 balls, after which Chloe Tryon accounted for her wicket. The 24-year-old Kerr, on the other hand, played a handy 43-run knock with four fours.
Also read: Women’s T20 WC: In a massive upset, South Africa beat Australia to enter final
South could only manage 126/9 in 20 overs
South Africa faced a huge challenge, needing to achieve the largest successful run-chase ever in Women’s T20 World Cup finals in order to win the trophy. Captain Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits appeared to be in good form, forming a significant partnership of 51 runs for the first wicket in 6.5 overs. Brits took the lead early on until Fran Jonas eliminated her.
However, it was the tenth over that completely changed the course of the match. Amelia Kerr took her first wicket by dismissing Wolvaardt, who had scored 33 runs from 27 balls. After that, he took the important wicket of Anneke Bosch, who had just scored her highest T20I innings against Australia in the semi-finals. From that point forward, the Proteas were unable to bounce back and come together again.
