New Zealand won their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final held in Dubai on October 20, 2024. Amelia Kerr was instrumental in the victory, contributing 43 runs and taking three wickets. Despite a promising start by South Africa, they succumbed to a late batting collapse, ending their innings at 126 runs.
In a historic match held in Dubai on October 20, 2024, the New Zealand women’s cricket team emerged victorious over South Africa, clinching their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. This triumph marks New Zealand as only the fourth nation to achieve this accolade in women’s T20 cricket. The Kiwis made their way to the final for the first time since 2010, while South Africa aimed to secure their second consecutive title, having faced the formidable Australian team in the previous edition. The final provided a unique opportunity for both teams, as it marked their inaugural encounter at this stage of the Women’s T20 World Cup. New Zealand’s standout player was Amelia Kerr, who excelled with both bat and ball, scoring 43 runs from 38 balls and claiming three wickets for 24 runs. After losing the toss, New Zealand was invited to bat first, posting a commendable total of 159 runs. Despite some jittery performances on the field from South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba emerged as a key player, taking two wickets for 31 runs. Suzie Bates, New Zealand’s opener and the most-capped player in women’s international cricket, provided a strong start until she was dismissed for 32 runs by Mlaba. Following Bates’ departure, South Africa briefly gained momentum when Sophie Devine was dismissed, but the partnership between Kerr and Brooke Halliday, which yielded 57 runs, revitalized New Zealand’s innings as they concluded with a total of 156 runs for the loss of five wickets. In response, South Africa began their chase solidly, with openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits contributing 51 runs. However, the dismissal of Brits marked the beginning of their downfall, as Kerr’s remarkable bowling skills thwarted their progress. South Africa struggled to maintain the necessary run rate, and the loss of key players such as Wolvaardt and captain Marizanne Kapp led to a dramatic collapse, ultimately being bowled out for 126 runs, thereby granting New Zealand a captivating victory by 32 runs.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup serves as a premier international championship for women’s T20 cricket, drawing competitors from around the globe. This year’s final was significant not only for the title at stake but also for its historical context, as it featured teams from New Zealand and South Africa, both of whom had previously made notable strides in the tournament. New Zealand’s victory signifies a major achievement in their cricketing history, enhancing their status in the realm of women’s sports. The journey of both teams in this tournament showcased the growing competitiveness and excitement in women’s cricket, capturing the attention of fans worldwide.
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final was a testament to New Zealand’s determination and resilience, culminating in their first title win. Amelia Kerr’s remarkable all-round performance played a pivotal role in securing the victory, while South Africa displayed commendable spirit despite facing a challenging setback. This match not only highlights the evolving landscape of women’s cricket but also sets the stage for future competitions as both nations look to build on their performances.
Original Source: olympics.com
