New Zealand cricket fans, save the date. Yes, cherish October 20 because it will go down as the most important day in your history! If the men’s team’s maiden Test win in India after 36 years wasn’t enough, Sophie Devine and her team has done something momentous. The New Zealand women’s side has recorded its first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, outclassing the South African side quite comprehensively in the summit clash in Dubai.
An above-par total sees New Zealand through
The Proteas, having won the toss and elected to field, restricted the White Ferns but to an above-par total (158/5) in their 20 overs. The first innings witnessed an intense battle between two evenly matched-teams. New Zealand started aggressively, with the in-form openers looking to score quickly. However, South Africa’s bowlers managed to contain the momentum, picking up wickets at regular intervals. South Africa controlled the runs in the middle overs and the wicket of Devine followed.
Regardless, the White Ferns pummelled 46 runs in their powerplay. But then came Brooke Halliday and she completely switched the momentum again. Fours came in spades and Kerr at the other end was awakened from her anchoring role by it, too. Some big hits from them and the Proteas seemed to crumble.
South Africa’s bowlers, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba and Nadine de Klerk, tried to keep the pressure on the New Zealand batters. Mlaba’s figures of 2/31 were particularly impressive, as she managed to break crucial partnerships.
Spotless from New Zealand bowlers ft. Mair
When New Zealand bowlers entered the field to defend their 158 runs, there was a great amount of confidence that oozed off the Kiwi unit. All this even though they came on the back of 10 defeats before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. In the end, they beat every side except Australia, whose dominance has been over (for some time at least). Despite an opening stand of 51 runs by Laura Woolvardt and Tanzim Brits, New Zealand knew that the game was for them. In the next 71 runs, they completely mauled the Proteas, taking 9 wickets in that period. Rosemary Mair was the pick of the bowlers as she clubbed three wickets for 25 runs.
New Zealand Women Innings
158-5 (20 Ov)
BatterRB4s6sSRSuzie Bates323130103.23Georgia Plimmer9720128.57Amelia Kerr433840113.16Sophie Devine (c)6100060.00Brooke Halliday382830135.71Maddy Green12601200.00Isabella Gaze (wk)3300100.00Total: 158 (5 wkts, 20 Ov)
South Africa Women Innings
126-9 (20 Ov)
BatterRB4s6sSRLaura Wolvaardt (c)332750122.22Tazmin Brits17181094.44Anneke Bosch9131069.23Marizanne Kapp8810100.00Nadine de Klerk670085.71Chloe Tryon14161087.50Sune Luus890088.89Annerie Dercksen10900111.11Sinalo Jafta (wk)6410150.00Nonkululeko Mlaba450080.00Ayabonga Khaka4400100.00Total: 126 (9 wkts, 20 Ov)
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