In a thrilling showdown on Sunday, October 20, 2024, New Zealand’s women’s cricket team achieved a historic feat by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. In the final, held in Dubai, the Kiwi team led by Sophie Devine defeated South Africa by 32 runs to claim the title. With this victory, New Zealand ended a 15-year wait for a world cup win in women’s cricket and secured their place in history.
This is not just a major moment for the women’s team, but for the entire New Zealand cricket history. Despite their men’s team reaching several finals in both T20 and ODI formats, this is the country’s first-ever senior cricket world cup win, making it a double celebration for Kiwi cricket fans.
New Zealand Sets a Strong Target Despite Losing Early Wickets
After losing the toss, New Zealand was put in to bat by South Africa. The pressure of the final showed early as the Kiwi team lost a wicket in the second over itself. However, Suzie Bates (32) and Amelia Kerr (43) stabilized the innings after the initial loss. Although captain Sophie Devine couldn’t contribute much and fell early, Brook Halliday (38) stepped up with some solid boundary-hitting.
Amelia Kerr and Brook Halliday formed a critical partnership of 57 runs for the fourth wicket, helping New Zealand to a competitive total of 158/5 in 20 overs. Kerr’s calm yet effective 38-ball knock, coupled with Halliday’s aggressive hitting, laid a strong foundation for the team. They kept the scoreboard ticking, even when big shots were difficult to come by, and their calculated efforts took the team to a commanding score.
South Africa’s Strong Start Fades Away
South Africa, who reached the final for the second consecutive year, came into the chase with a lot of confidence. Their captain Laura Wolvaardt (33) continued her fine form, getting off to a blistering start. South Africa was well-placed at 47/0 by the end of the powerplay, raising hopes of a successful chase. Wolvaardt, along with Tazmin Brits (17), put up an opening partnership of 51 runs.
However, New Zealand’s bowlers struck back soon after the powerplay. The turning point came in the 10th over when Amelia Kerr dismissed Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch (4) in quick succession, swinging the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Amelia Kerr Shines with the Ball Too
Kerr, who was already New Zealand’s star with the bat, also performed brilliantly with the ball. She ended with figures of 3/24, dismissing the key players in the middle order. Kerr’s all-round performance ensured that South Africa couldn’t recover from the twin blows in the middle overs.
Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk also fell cheaply, leaving South Africa struggling at 5 wickets down within 13 overs. From here on, South Africa’s defeat seemed almost certain as they failed to build any significant partnerships.
New Zealand’s Bowlers Seal the Win
Rosemary Mair also played a crucial role, picking up 3 wickets and tightening the noose around South Africa’s batting lineup. The South African side, known for their aggressive batting, couldn’t find momentum after the initial overs and eventually crumbled under pressure.
In the end, South Africa could only manage 126/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 32 runs. It was a second consecutive heartbreak for South Africa, having also lost in the final of the Men’s T20 World Cup just a few months earlier.
Historic Victory for New Zealand
New Zealand’s women’s team has now added the T20 World Cup to their list of international achievements, having previously won the ODI World Cup in 2000 and the Knock Out Trophy in the same year. This victory marks the fourth ICC tournament win for New Zealand in cricket overall, after their men’s team claimed the World Test Championship in 2021.
With this win, the New Zealand women’s team has made their nation proud, and Amelia Kerr’s all-round performance will go down in history as one of the best in a World Cup final. This victory is a defining moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand and will inspire future generations of players to continue pushing boundaries.
