New Zealand delivered a stupendous performance beating South Africa in the final match of the ICC Twenty 20 Women’s Cricket World Cup. The high-octane final was characterized by thrilling moments and finally, the grit and determination of the White Ferns prevailed as they beat South Africa by 32 runs to claim their first-ever World Cup title. It was indeed a great moment for the team as they were crowned world champions hours after the men’s team defeated India in a test match after 36 years.
New Zealand were asked to bat first after South Africa won the toss. The decision to bat first was backed by some steady batting performances from the Sophie Devine-led side and they posted a healthy competitive total of 158 runs for the loss of 5 wickets. Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday were among the runs, scoring 43 and 38. Suzie Bates, the opening batter put up a useful contribution of 32 runs. For South Africa, the pick of the bowlers was Nonkululeko Mlaba bagging two wickets and Chloe Tyron, the left-arm orthodox spinner who bowled tightly to concede only 22 runs in her quota of 4 overs.
New Zealand bowlers had to bear the onslaught of South African batters in the initial overs. South Africa managed to score 51 runs in the power-play. The opening partnership was broken when Tazmin Brits fell to Fran Jonas. Post the opening breakthrough, the South African batters’ blitzkrieg was halted by some tight bowling from New Zealand bowlers. Except for the South African openers, none of the other batters looked comfortable. Only two out of the nine batters managed to score in double digits. Rosemary Mair, scalping three wickets, was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand. South Africa finally succumbed to the bowling display by New Zealand and managed to score only 126 runs for the loss of 9 wickets.
Pitch perfect from the champions 🎶🏆
SOUND ON 🔉#T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/4w8UZi7LrM
— ICC (@ICC) October 21, 2024
This performance from New Zealand certainly will etch their names in the chapters of women’s cricketing history and mark the dawn of a new era for the women’s team. In a stunning display of resilience, character and determination, the White Ferns have silenced the doubters and critics who questioned them from the beginning of the tournament.