New Zealand beat South Africa to win ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
In a thrilling finale of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup held in Dubai, New Zealand triumphed over South Africa, securing a 32-run victory to claim the title.
Chasing a target of 159, South Africa could only manage 126/9 in their allotted 20 overs. The match ended with Nonkululeko Mlaba (4*) and Ayabonga Khaka (4*) still at the crease, unable to close the gap.
South Africa’s innings began with hope as captain Laura Wolvaardt led from the front, opening the batting and scoring a solid 33 runs off 27 balls, including five boundaries. However, Wolvaardt’s departure sparked a rapid collapse for the Proteas, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Her opening partner, Tazmin Brits, was the first to fall, bowled out by Fran Jonas in the final ball of the sixth over after contributing 17 runs.
Anneke Bosch followed soon after in the 10th over, managing only nine runs. The middle order also struggled to put up significant scores, with Marizanne Kapp (8), Nadine de Klerk (6), Chloe Tryon (14), Sune Luus (8), Annerie Dercksen (10), and Sinalo Jafta (6) all failing to make a substantial impact.
Earlier in the game, New Zealand posted 158/5 after South Africa won the toss and chose to field. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer opened for New Zealand, with Bates providing a steady 32 off 31 balls, hitting three boundaries before being bowled out by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the seventh over. Plimmer, however, had a brief stint at the crease, scoring just nine runs before being caught by Sune Luus off the bowling of Ayabonga Khaka in the second over.
New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, struggled to make an impact and was dismissed for 6 runs in the 10th over by Nadine de Klerk. However, it was Brooke Halliday who rescued New Zealand’s innings, scoring 38 off 28 balls, hitting three boundaries, and playing a crucial role in helping the Black Caps reach the 100-run mark by the 14th over. Halliday was dismissed in the 17th over, caught by Anneke Bosch off Chloe Tryon’s bowling.
Amelia Kerr was the standout for New Zealand, contributing a near half-century with 43 runs before being caught by Tazmin Brits off Nonkululeko Mlaba’s bowling when the team’s score stood at 141-5. New Zealand’s innings ended with Maddy Green (12*) and Isabella Gaze (3*) at the crease.
South Africa’s bowlers put in a commendable performance, with Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk taking one wicket each, while Nonkululeko Mlaba led with two wickets.
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
