New Zealand won their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final held in Dubai on October 20, 2024. Amelia Kerr played a crucial role, contributing 43 runs and taking three wickets. South Africa, chasing a target of 159 runs, faced a batting collapse that resulted in their final score of 126 for nine.
In a historic occasion, New Zealand clinched their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa by 32 runs in Dubai on October 20, 2024. This triumph marked New Zealand’s entry into an exclusive group, becoming only the fourth nation to claim victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup. The final saw New Zealand advance to their first world championship match since 2010, while South Africa aimed for redemption following their previous year’s defeat against Australia, the reigning champions. This clash was the inaugural encounter between the two teams in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, adding to the significance of the match. The New Zealand team displayed commendable performance with Amelia Kerr being a standout player, contributing with both bat and ball. She notched up an impressive 43 runs off 38 balls and subsequently took three wickets after bowling 24 deliveries. After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, New Zealand set a challenging target, posting a formidable score of 159 runs. Despite South Africa’s early jitters in the field, they managed to maintain pressure on New Zealand’s batting lineup. Nonkululeko Mlaba emerged as South Africa’s top bowler, securing two wickets for 31 runs. Opener Suzie Bates, who solidified her position as the most-capped women’s international cricketer, played a crucial innings of 32 runs before being dismissed by Mlaba. The South African team started their innings positively, with a partnership of 51 runs from openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits. However, the match took a turn when Kerr, despite suffering from cramps, took control of the bowling attack, resulting in Wolvaardt being dismissed for 33 runs. This marked the beginning of a batting collapse for South Africa; the team was reduced to 126 for nine as they attempted to chase down New Zealand’s significant score, ultimately succumbing to their opponents’ thorough bowling performance. New Zealand’s cohesive team effort culminated in a historic win, providing them with their maiden title in the Women’s T20 World Cup, while South Africa fell short in their quest to secure the championship for a second consecutive year.
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup has become a premier event in women’s cricket, showcasing top international talents and providing a competitive platform. New Zealand’s journey to the final this year was marked by resilience and determination, culminating in a significant achievement by claiming their first title. The final highlighted the evolving landscape of women’s cricket, with South Africa also emerging as a formidable competitor after previously reaching the finals, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness in the tournament. New Zealand’s victory reflects their growth and success in the sport, contributing to a more prominent representation of women in cricket on a global scale.
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final concluded with New Zealand defeating South Africa by 32 runs, securing their maiden title. Amelia Kerr’s outstanding performance with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in the victory. This match not only marked a historical win for New Zealand but also showcased the rising standards of women’s cricket, affirming its place on the international sports stage. As the tournament progresses, the competitive spirit displayed by both teams signals a promising future for the sport.
Original Source: olympics.com
