New Zealand Wins ICC Women’s T-20 World Cup

Shilpa Rajan October 23, 2024

New Zealand cricket history will surely record the 20th of October in golden letters, as the men’s team defeated India on Indian soil after 36 years. In Dubai, the women’s team followed suit, defeating South Africa to lift their maiden Women’s T-20 World Cup trophy. After overcoming the strongest contenders, Australia, in the semifinals, the Kiwi side went on to win the final, dealing another heartbreak to South African fans.

New Zealand lost the Toss and SA chose to Bowl:

At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and opted to bowl first. Her bowlers initially justified the decision, dismissing Kiwi opener Plimmer in the 2nd over, leaving New Zealand at 16 for 1. Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr then steadied the innings with a partnership for the second wicket, bringing the score to 43/1 after 6 overs. However, Bates was bowled by Mlaba in the 8th over for 32. Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine was dismissed cheaply in the 11th over, and the pressure mounted at 70/3.

Amelia was then joined by Brooke Halliday, who played a crucial knock. Together, they took the score to 125 in 17 overs before Halliday was dismissed for a well-made 38 off 28 balls. Amelia contributed with 43 off 38 balls. Maddy Green provided the finishing touch with a quickfire 12 off 6 balls, helping New Zealand reach 158 in the final.

South Africa’s Positive Start:

Chasing 159, South African openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits started solidly, avoiding early wickets and scoring positively in the powerplay. South Africa reached 47 after 6 overs, making the chase seem achievable. However, once the powerplay ended, it became a one-sided Kiwi show. Jonas broke the partnership by dismissing Tazmin in the 7th over, and Amelia Kerr removed both Laura and Bosch in the 10th over, reducing South Africa to 64/3 after 10 overs.

The South African batters struggled to build any momentum thereafter, eventually finishing on 126, losing the match by 32 runs. Apart from skipper Laura, none of the batters found their rhythm. Rosemary Mair and Amelia Kerr were the standout bowlers for New Zealand, each taking 3 wickets.

After a long wait, New Zealand won their first-ever ICC title, with Amelia Kerr named both Player of the Match and Player of the Series.

On the other hand, South Africa suffered another heartbreak. Following their men’s team’s loss to India in the final, their women’s team also fell short in the ICC T20 World Cup final, and their wait for a trophy continues.