Twitter Reactions: Amelia Kerr shines as New Zealand outclass South Africa to clinch their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title

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New Zealand emerged as the champions of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, marking a historic moment for the White Ferns as they claimed their first title.

New Zealand clinch their first Women’s T20 World Cup title

In an exhilarating final against South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday (October 20), New Zealand triumphed by 32 runs, joining Australia, England, and the West Indies among the tournament’s elite winners. After heartbreaking defeats in the 2009 and 2010 finals, the White Ferns finally lifted the trophy, with Amelia Kerr‘s all-round brilliance guiding them to victory. The win was a fitting end to Sophie Devine‘s captaincy, as she led her team with pride and determination throughout the tournament. In contrast, South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, fell short in their second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup final, following last year’s disappointment under Sune Luus.

Brooke Halliday and Amelia Kerr guide New Zealand to a commanding total

Batting first, New Zealand posted a challenging total of 158 for five, thanks to crucial contributions from Suzie Bates, Kerr and Brooke Halliday. Despite the early loss of Georgia Plimmer to Ayobonga Khaka, Bates anchored the innings with a composed 32, surpassing Mithali Raj to become the most-capped player in women’s international cricket. Skipper Devine, playing her last T20I as captain, couldn’t make a significant impact, scoring only six runs. However, it was Kerr’s 43 and Halliday’s aggressive 38 off 28 balls that propelled the White Ferns to a competitive score. South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets, while Khaka, Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk chipped in with one wicket each.

Also READ: 10 lesser-known facts about New Zealand Women’s rising star Eden Carson

South Africa falter in the chase: Kerr’s masterclass with the ball

Chasing 159, South Africa faced an uphill task to record the highest successful run chase in a Women’s T20 World Cup final. Openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits provided a strong start, building a promising partnership of 51 runs in just under seven overs. Wolvaardt looked in fine form, scoring 33 off 27 balls, but the tide turned in the 10th over when Kerr struck twice in quick succession. Kerr first removed the South African captain, followed by the dismissal of Anneke Bosch, who had been instrumental in South Africa’s semifinal win against Australia. Kerr’s double blow left the Proteas reeling, and they were unable to recover.

As South Africa’s middle order crumbled, with key players like Marizanne Kapp and Tryon falling cheaply, New Zealand tightened their grip on the game. Kerr’s brilliant spell of 4-0-24-3, coupled with Rosemary Mair‘s three-wicket haul, dismantled the Proteas’ batting lineup. Eden Carson and Halliday also contributed with key wickets, as South Africa stuttered to 126 for nine. Despite the initial promise, the Proteas fell 32 runs short, leaving New Zealand to celebrate their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup triumph.

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Also READ: Complete details of the record prize money for Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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