New Zealand emerged victorious in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating South Africa by 32 runs at the Dubai International Stadium.
The Black Caps lifted the coveted trophy after a clinical performance, both with the bat and ball, setting up a total that proved too challenging for the Proteas to chase.
Opting to bowl first, South Africa limited New Zealand to 158-5 in their 20 overs. Suzie Bates was instrumental for the Kiwis, contributing 32 runs from 31 deliveries before being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the seventh over. Georgia Plimmer, her opening partner, struggled, managing only nine runs before falling in the second over to Ayabonga Khaka.
The middle order, however, held strong. Brooke Halliday played a crucial role, adding 38 off 28 balls, which included three boundaries. Amelia Kerr was the standout performer, top-scoring 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 of the innings, adding 12 and 3 runs respectively.
South Africa’s bowling attack worked hard, with Mlaba taking two key wickets, while Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each picked up one.
In reply, the Proteas faltered in their chase of 159, managing only 126-9 in their 20 overs. Laura Wolvaardt, leading from the front, top-scored for her side with 33 off 27 balls, but a steady fall of wickets derailed the chase. Her dismissal in the ninth over triggered a collapse, as the South African middle order failed to build any significant partnerships.
Tazmin Brits contributed 17 before being sent back by Fran Jonas in the sixth over, while Anneke Bosch (9), Marizanne Kapp (8), and Sune Luus (8) were all dismissed cheaply. Chloe Tryon attempted a late surge with 14 runs, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the innings. South Africa’s lower order, including Nadine de Klerk (6), Annerie Dercksen (10), and Sinalo Jafta (6), failed to provide support as the pressure mounted.
New Zealand’s bowlers were sharp, with Fran Jonas and Eden Carson tightening the screws with economical spells. Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu also played pivotal roles in restricting the South Africans.
The final came to a close with Nonkululeko Mlaba (4*) and Ayabonga Khaka (4*) at the crease, but by then the required rate had spiralled out of reach, giving New Zealand a well-deserved victory 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.
