Dubai : New Zealand defeated South Africa in Final of ICC Women’s T20 WC 2024 by 32 runs at Dubai International Stadium, Dubai, and clinched the Title for 1st time. Amelia Kerr with her allround show of 43 (38) & 3/24 played a pivotal role in the win.
Batting 1st , New Zealand veteran Suzie Bates (32) & Amelia Kerr (43) a vital 37 runs partnership after early loss of Georgia Plimmer (9) for 16 runs.
Kerr continued to hold one end even after Bates and skipper Sophie Devine’s dismissals, forming yet another vital partnership of 57 runs with Brooke Halliday (38) & was finally dismissed in 19th over taking Kiwis to 141-5.
Maddy Green’s (12*) short cameo in last over brought New Zealand to a respectable total of 158-5 (20).
Defending 159 runs, the Black Caps saw South Africa powered by leading run scorer of the tournament and South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt (33) and Tazmin Britz (17) forming a quick fire 51 runs opening partnership.
However, the match began turning in New Zealand’s favour when after powerplay both the openers got dismissed within matter of 3 overs at the score of 59 runs.
South African middle order and lower order didn’t add anything fruitful as all the Batters became prey of Amelia Kerr (3/24) & Rosemary Mair (3/25).
New Zealand eventually stopped the Proteas at 126-9 (20), winning the match by 32 runs, conquering their maiden title win.
Amelia Kerr won both Player of the Match and Series for her heroic performances throughout the tournament. She also finished as the highest wicket of the tournament with 12 wickets & 9th highest run scorer with 135 runs.
Therefore, New Zealand, after falling short in 2009 & 2010 Finals finally bagged their maiden title. Meanwhile, South Africa lost 2 consecutive finals in 2023 & 2024.
Brief Scorecard :
1st Innings :
NZ : 158-5 (20)
Amelia Kerr : 43 (38)
SA :
Nonkululeko Mlaba : 2/31
2nd Innings :
SA : 126-9 (20)
Laura Wolvaardt : 33 (27)
NZ :
Amelia Kerr : 3/24
Rosemary Mair : 3/25
Result : New Zealand win by 32 Runs.
