New Zealand Secures First Women’s T20 World Cup Title with a Thrilling Win Over South Africa
On a historic day for New Zealand cricket, the White Ferns claimed their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in a gripping final. This marked the end of a 24-year drought since their 2000 Women’s ODI World Cup triumph. Amelia Kerr, with an all-round performance, stole the show, guiding New Zealand to their maiden T20 World Cup victory.
In the final match, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, New Zealand posted a competitive total of 158/5. Kerr played a crucial knock of 43 runs and claimed three vital wickets, earning her the Player of the Match award. In response, South Africa’s batting lineup faltered under pressure, managing only 126/9 in their 20 overs.
Amelia Kerr Leads New Zealand’s Charge
Batting first, New Zealand got off to a steady start, anchored by Amelia Kerr’s 43 off 38 balls. Contributions from Maddy Green (31 off 25 balls) and skipper Sophie Devine (29 off 22 balls) helped New Zealand post a defendable total. South Africa’s decision to bowl first backfired as they struggled to contain the New Zealand batters in the final overs.
Kerr’s all-round display didn’t end with the bat. She took 3 wickets for 18 runs, dismantling South Africa’s middle order. Her brilliant performance earned her the Player of the Tournament award, with 135 runs and 15 wickets in the tournament.
NZW 158/5 (20)
RSAW 126/9 (20)
New Zealand Women Won by 32 Runs
Player of the Match: Amelia Kerr
South Africa’s Disappointment Continues
Chasing 159 for victory, South Africa started well with a solid 51-run opening partnership between captain Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) and Tazmin Brits (17 off 18). However, once Brits was dismissed, South Africa began to lose wickets at regular intervals. Wolvaardt’s departure in the ninth over triggered a collapse, and no other batter could build a significant innings. Despite Anneke Bosch’s late 24 off 19, South Africa could only muster 126 runs in their 20 overs, falling short by 32 runs.
This defeat adds to South Africa’s unfortunate history in ICC events, as they failed to shed their “chokers” tag, having also lost in the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cup finals.
A Historic Day for New Zealand Cricket
October 20, 2024, will forever be remembered in New Zealand cricket history. This was the White Ferns’ third World Cup final and their first T20 World Cup victory. The triumph came after a 24-year wait since their ODI World Cup win in 2000. Kerr’s outstanding contribution with both bat and ball played a pivotal role in sealing the victory, and her name will be etched in New Zealand cricket folklore.
Award Winners and Key Performances
- Player of the Tournament: Amelia Kerr (135 runs, 15 wickets)
- Player of the Match (Final): Amelia Kerr (43 runs, 3 wickets)
- Top Run-scorer: Laura Wolvaardt (223 runs in 6 innings)
- Best Bowling Figures: Karishma Ramharack (4 for 17 vs Bangladesh)
- Leading Wicket-taker: Amelia Kerr (15 wickets in 6 innings)
- Highest Individual Score: Anneke Bosch (74* vs Australia)
- Highest Strike Rate: Deandra Dottin (162.16)
- Most Sixes: Deandra Dottin (9 sixes in 5 innings)
- Most 50+ Scores: Harmanpreet Kaur (2 fifties in 4 innings)
- Most Catches: Suzie Bates (7 catches in 6 innings)
New Zealand’s emphatic win against South Africa marks the dawn of a new era in women’s cricket. The White Ferns’ resilience, exemplified by Amelia Kerr’s brilliance, has brought them their first T20 World Cup trophy. For South Africa, the heartbreak continues as they miss out on another World Cup title. As New Zealand celebrates, South Africa must regroup to overcome their final hurdle in future tournaments.
