New Zealand emerged as the champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, marking a historic moment for the White Ferns as they claimed their first title.
New Zealand clinch their first Women’s T20 World Cup title
In an exhilarating final against South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (October 20), New Zealand triumphed by 32 runs, joining Australia, England, and the West Indies among the tournament’s elite winners. After heartbreaking defeats in the 2009 and 2010 finals, the White Ferns finally lifted the trophy, with Amelia Kerr‘s all-round brilliance guiding them to victory. The win was a fitting end to Sophie Devine‘s captaincy, as she led her team with pride and determination throughout the tournament. In contrast, South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, fell short in their second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup final, following last year’s disappointment under Sune Luus.
Brooke Halliday and Amelia Kerr guide New Zealand to a commanding total
Batting first, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 158 for five, thanks to crucial contributions from Suzie Bates, Kerr and Brooke Halliday. Despite the early loss of Georgia Plimmer to Ayobonga Khaka, Bates anchored the innings with a composed 32, surpassing Mithali Raj to become the most-capped player in women’s international cricket. Skipper Devine, playing her last T20I as captain, couldn’t make a significant impact, scoring only six runs. However, it was Kerr’s 43 and Halliday’s aggressive 38 off 28 balls that propelled the White Ferns to a competitive score. South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets, while Khaka, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk chipped in with one wicket each.
Also READ: 10 lesser-known facts about New Zealand Women’s rising star Eden Carson
South Africa falter in the chase: Kerr’s masterclass with the ball
Chasing 159, South Africa faced an uphill task to record the highest successful run chase in a Women’s T20 World Cup final. Openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits provided a strong start, building a promising partnership of 51 runs in just under seven overs. Wolvaardt looked in fine form, scoring 33 off 27 balls, but the tide turned in the 10th over when Kerr struck twice in quick succession. Kerr first removed the South African captain, followed by the dismissal of Anneke Bosch, who had been instrumental in South Africa’s semifinal win against Australia. Kerr’s double blow left the Proteas reeling, and they were unable to recover.
As South Africa’s middle order crumbled, with key players like Marizanne Kapp and Tryon falling cheaply, New Zealand tightened their grip on the game. Kerr’s brilliant spell of 4-0-24-3, coupled with Rosemary Mair‘s three-wicket haul, dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup. Eden Carson and Halliday also contributed with key wickets, as South Africa stuttered to 126 for nine. Despite the initial promise, the Proteas fell 32 runs short, leaving New Zealand to celebrate their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup triumph.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
RESULTS 🏏🇿🇦
New Zealand wins the #T20WorldCup final by 32 runs! 🏏🏆
Today wasn’t our day, but the passion and heart shown by the Proteas Women on the world stage will always make us winners.
Thank you, South Africa, and to every supporter around the globe who rallied behind… pic.twitter.com/B3C0XsB8uW
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 20, 2024
HISTORY MADE!!! 🏆
New Zealand win the T20 World Cup for the first time. 🇳🇿🖤
HEARTBREAK for South Africa…yet. AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/aAo4KffyDX
— Saif Ahmed (@saifahmed75) October 20, 2024
Well played New Zealand an excellent team, heartbreak for South Africa but the better team won the day #Cricket #T20WorldCup
— Tony: Somehow a MD ANT (@MrTonyBe) October 20, 2024
Surely one of the greatest days in the history of New Zealand cricket?
— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) October 20, 2024
The nation of New Zealand has had great day with their men winning a historic test match in India; but most important & magnificent and historic day belongs to Zealand’s Women cricketers winning their nations first ICCT20CWC 2014 🫅 🫅🫅.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) October 20, 2024
New Zealand lifting their first ever world cup even before men, captained by our own Sophie Devine makes it even more special ❤️ pic.twitter.com/np4SZJbGET
— Pari (@BluntIndianGal) October 20, 2024
A truly incredible sporting story.
New Zealand lost 10 games on the bounce coming into the World Cup.
Today they are T20 champions for the first time.#bbccricket pic.twitter.com/mLUrG0X1kU
— Henry Moeran (@henrymoeranBBC) October 20, 2024
One of the craziest results in terms of #T20WorldCup!
Come in on the back of 10 losses and to then just go on and win the whole thing!
Absolutely top class team effort, NZ!
— Nikhil 🏏 (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 20, 2024
Losing two back to back T20 finals in consecutive years, three if you include the Men’s team… hard luck South Africa.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) October 20, 2024
Gotta feel for South Africa. Runners up in back to back editions.
And this year both their men’s and women’s team ended as runners up.— PouLaMi (@Crictopher17) October 20, 2024
Congratulations to New Zealand for winning their first T20 World Cup in a historic showdown against South Africa!#NewZealand #WhiteFerns #AmeliaKerr #SouthAfrica #t20worldcup #Cricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/7ju3DoBAqP
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 20, 2024
