The New Zealand women’s cricket team made history on Sunday by lifting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, defeating South Africa by 32 runs. This victory marks New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup title, breaking a 15-year drought since their runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2010.
South Africa won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to capitalize on their home ground advantage. However, the Black Caps set a competitive target, scoring 158 runs after losing five wickets. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer opened the innings, with Bates contributing a solid 32 runs off 31 balls. Amelia Kerr emerged as the standout performer, top-scoring with 43 runs from 38 deliveries, while Brooke Halliday added a crucial 38 runs off 28 balls.
Despite their efforts, captain Sophie Devine struggled to find form, scoring just six runs before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. However, the Black Caps’ total of 158 was enough to set the stage for their bowlers to shine.
In response, South Africa’s chase started promisingly, as they reached 51 runs without losing a wicket. Tazmin Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt were at the crease, seemingly on course to secure the title for the Proteas, who had lost to Australia in the previous edition of the tournament. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Tazmin Brits fell, and South Africa’s batting lineup began to collapse.
Wolvaardt managed to score 33 runs off 27 balls, but the Kiwi bowlers, led by Amelia Kerr and Rosemary Mair, dismantled the Proteas’ batting order. Kerr and Mair each took three wickets, ensuring that aside from the openers, no other South African batter managed to reach double figures. Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen contributed 14 and 10 runs, respectively, but South Africa ultimately finished their innings at 126 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
The New Zealand bowlers’ exceptional performance was instrumental in clinching the title. Eden Carson, Fran Jones, and Brooke Halliday each took one wicket, further contributing to the Proteas’ downfall.
This victory is a significant milestone for New Zealand cricket, having previously fallen short in the T20 World Cup finals. The Black Caps’ triumph not only showcases their growth in women’s cricket but also highlights the importance of teamwork and resilience.
With the T20 World Cup title secured, New Zealand’s players can now celebrate a historic achievement and look forward to future international competitions with renewed confidence.
New Zealand Claims Historic ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Title with Victory Over South Africa
The New Zealand women’s cricket team made history on Sunday by lifting the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 trophy at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, defeating South Africa by 32 runs. This victory marks New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup title, breaking a 15-year drought since their runner-up finishes in 2009 and 2010.
South Africa won the toss and opted to field first, hoping to capitalize on their home ground advantage. However, the Black Caps set a competitive target, scoring 158 runs after losing five wickets. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer opened the innings, with Bates contributing a solid 32 runs off 31 balls. Amelia Kerr emerged as the standout performer, top-scoring with 43 runs from 38 deliveries, while Brooke Halliday added a crucial 38 runs off 28 balls.
Despite their efforts, captain Sophie Devine struggled to find form, scoring just six runs before being dismissed by Nadine de Klerk. However, the Black Caps’ total of 158 was enough to set the stage for their bowlers to shine.
In response, South Africa’s chase started promisingly, as they reached 51 runs without losing a wicket. Tazmin Brits and captain Laura Wolvaardt were at the crease, seemingly on course to secure the title for the Proteas, who had lost to Australia in the previous edition of the tournament. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Tazmin Brits fell, and South Africa’s batting lineup began to collapse.
Wolvaardt managed to score 33 runs off 27 balls, but the Kiwi bowlers, led by Amelia Kerr and Rosemary Mair, dismantled the Proteas’ batting order. Kerr and Mair each took three wickets, ensuring that aside from the openers, no other South African batter managed to reach double figures. Chloe Tryon and Annerie Dercksen contributed 14 and 10 runs, respectively, but South Africa ultimately finished their innings at 126 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
The New Zealand bowlers’ exceptional performance was instrumental in clinching the title. Eden Carson, Fran Jones, and Brooke Halliday each took one wicket, further contributing to the Proteas’ downfall.
This victory is a significant milestone for New Zealand cricket, having previously fallen short in the T20 World Cup finals. The Black Caps’ triumph not only showcases their growth in women’s cricket but also highlights the importance of teamwork and resilience.
With the T20 World Cup title secured, New Zealand’s players can now celebrate a historic achievement and look forward to future international competitions with renewed confidence.
