In the decisive match, New Zealand triumphed by 32 runs over South Africa to earn their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title in Dubai on Sunday.
In a high-stakes match, New Zealand outperformed South Africa by 32 runs to win their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai on Sunday. The White Ferns’ acquisition of the ICC trophy on Sunday proved to be a historic moment for New Zealand cricket, as the team triumphed in their first Test match in India in 36 years. Playing in their second straight final, South Africa put New Zealand in to bat. Led by Sophie Devine, her team flourished under pressure, posting a better-than-par 158 for five at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Amelia Kerr scored 43 off 38 balls, while Brooke Halliday hit an impressive 38 off 28 balls to propel New Zealand above 150 in a low-scoring event. South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) led her team to 47 for no loss in the powerplay before New Zealand’s bowlers stifled their opponents.
South Africa struggled to keep up with the scoring rate, finishing with 126 for nine in 20 overs. Kerr also performed admirably with her leg spin, taking three wickets for 24 runs in four overs.
With ten straight losses going into the event, New Zealand saw a stunning turn around in their fortunes. They were by much the greatest bowling team in the competition, and they raised their hitting game a notch on Sunday. After the loss of their courageous captain Wolvaardt in the tenth over, there was no turning back to South Africa. As Wolvaardt tried to increase the scoring rate, she found Suzie Bates at cover, giving Kerr the valuable wicket.When the semifinals’ hero, Anneke Bosch, died five balls later, the writing was on the wall. South Africa’s inexperienced middle order failed to respond to the pressure applied by New Zealand’s bowlers.
