New Zealand clinched the title at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, triumphing over South Africa by 32 runs in a thrilling final held at the Dubai International Stadium. The Black Caps showcased a well-rounded performance with both bat and ball, establishing a target that proved too steep for the Proteas to overcome.
Choosing to bowl first, South Africa managed to restrict New Zealand to 158 runs for the loss of five wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Suzie Bates played a vital role for the Kiwis, scoring 32 runs off 31 balls before being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the seventh over. Her opening partner, Georgia Plimmer, struggled at the crease, contributing just nine runs before falling to Ayabonga Khaka in the second over. However, New Zealand’s middle order stepped up, with Brooke Halliday making a significant contribution of 38 runs from 28 balls, including three boundaries. The standout performer was Amelia Kerr, who top-scored with 43 runs off 35 balls before being caught by Tazmin Brits off Mlaba’s bowling. Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze remained unbeaten at the end, adding 12 and 3 runs, respectively.
South Africa’s bowlers fought hard, with Mlaba claiming two crucial wickets, while Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each added one to their tally.
In their chase for 159, South Africa struggled, finishing at 126 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led her team with a top score of 33 runs off 27 balls, but a series of wickets fell steadily, hindering their pursuit. Wolvaardt’s dismissal in the ninth over marked the beginning of a collapse, as the middle order failed to form any substantial partnerships. Tazmin Brits added 17 runs before Fran Jonas dismissed her in the sixth over. Other key players, including Anneke Bosch (9), Marizanne Kapp (8), and Sune Luus (8), were dismissed cheaply, further dampening South Africa’s chances. Chloe Tryon attempted a late revival with 14 runs, but it was insufficient to salvage the innings. The lower order, including Nadine de Klerk (6), Annerie Dercksen (10), and Sinalo Jafta (6), could not provide the necessary support as the pressure mounted.
New Zealand’s bowlers were sharp and disciplined, with Fran Jonas and Eden Carson delivering economical spells to stifle the South African batting lineup. Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu also played pivotal roles in maintaining the pressure on the Proteas.
As the match concluded, Nonkululeko Mlaba (4*) and Ayabonga Khaka (4*) were at the crease, but by then, the required run rate had soared beyond reach, securing a well-deserved victory for New Zealand by 32 runs.
Score Summary:
New Zealand: 158-5 (Amelia Kerr 43, Brooke Halliday 38, Suzie Bates 32; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-25)
South Africa: 126-9 (Laura Wolvaardt 33, Tazmin Brits 17; Fran Jonas 1-24)
Playing XIs:
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
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