Dubai: Amelia Kerr’s brilliant all-round performance led New Zealand to their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title. They defeated South Africa by 32 runs in the final on Sunday in Dubai.
Kerr was named Player of the Match. She top-scored with 43 runs and took 3-24, including key wickets of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch. New Zealand set a target of 158-5, while South Africa managed only 126-9 in 20 overs.
This victory was a sweet ending for captain Sophie Devine’s career. The White Ferns had previously lost two finals, in 2010 against Australia and in 2009 to England.
South Africa faced heartbreak once again, following their loss to Australia in last year’s final.
New Zealand’s Aggressive Start
After being sent to bat by South Africa’s captain Wolvaardt, New Zealand’s openers started strongly. Georgia Plimmer hit two boundaries in the first over, but she was soon dismissed for nine. Suzie Bates kept the score ticking, scoring 32 from 31 balls, but was bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba.
Devine fell for just six runs after a review, but Brooke Halliday and Kerr lifted the innings with a 57-run partnership. Halliday contributed 38 runs before being caught on the boundary by Bosch.
Kerr’s 43 runs from 38 balls, including back-to-back boundaries, helped set the tone. Maddy Green added 12 runs off six balls, hitting the only six of the innings.
South Africa’s Struggle
Wolvaardt (33) and Brits (17) got South Africa off to a good start, reaching 50 runs in the seventh over. However, Brits was caught by Green, and Kerr quickly dismissed Wolvaardt and Bosch in the same over. South Africa collapsed to 64-3, and their middle and lower order failed to recover.
Kerr, along with outstanding fielding by Bates, ensured wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Bates took three crucial catches, helping New Zealand maintain control. Kerr finished the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets.
Despite South Africa’s last pair holding out in the final over, they could not chase down the target, allowing New Zealand to celebrate their historic win.
Score Summary:
New Zealand: 158-5 (Kerr 43, Halliday 38, Bates 32, Mlaba 2-31)
South Africa: 126-9 (Wolvaardt 33, Kerr 3-24, Mair 3-25)
New Zealand won by 32 runs.
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