New Zealand Crowned Champions of Women's T20 World Cup 2024 After Thrilling Final

Photo : Reuters

New Zealand has etched its name in cricket history by defeating South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This victory marks New Zealand's first title in this prestigious tournament, a significant milestone for women's cricket in the country.

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In the final match, New Zealand, batting first after losing the toss, set a challenging target of 159 runs. The team's performance was bolstered by veteran opener Suzie Bates, who scored a solid 32 runs. With this innings, Bates became the most capped player in Women’s Internationals, further solidifying her legacy in the sport.

Melie Kerr was the standout performer for New Zealand, contributing not only with the bat but also with the ball. She anchored the innings by scoring 43 runs and played a crucial role in maintaining momentum, especially alongside the explosive Brooke Halliday, who added 38 runs. Maddy Green's late surge, scoring 12 runs off just 6 balls, helped elevate the total to 158 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.

In their pursuit of the target, South Africa began strongly, with captain Laura Wolvaardt leading the charge. The team reached 47 runs without losing a wicket during the powerplay, suggesting a promising chase. However, the match took a decisive turn when Kerr claimed two vital wickets, shifting the momentum back in New Zealand's favor.

Rosemary Mair also made significant contributions with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for just 25 runs, effectively dismantling the South African batting order. Despite a determined effort, South Africa fell short of the target, ending their innings at 126 runs for 9 wickets.

This historic win not only highlights New Zealand's cricketing prowess but also underscores the team's growing strength and resilience on the international stage. The achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, marking a new chapter for women's cricket in New Zealand.