It was all-smiles for New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 final played in Dubai. The White Ferns (New Zealand) emerged as the titleholders of their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating the Proteas Women (South Africa) with a margin of 32 runs. It had been a remarkable tale of turnaround for New Zealand, who had entered this tournament with a 10 game losing streak, however went on to win the title.
New Zealand Sets a Formidable Target
New Zealand set a stern target of 158/5, thanks to crucial knocks from Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze who struck 16 off Ayabonga Khaka’s final over. South Africa had denied New Zealand any boundary for the last 48 balls, but the Kiwis exploited six fours and a six off the remaining 34 to seal the contest beyond South Africa’s score. In response to this, all South Africa could do was 126/9-the biggest successful chase in the history of the tournament.
Wolvaardt’s Calm Leadership and Crucial Decisions
Laura Wolvaardt showed maturity by keeping it cool despite all that was happening around her. This is where she, for instance, took time to review an LBW decision against Sophie Devine that eventually went in favor of her team. The calm she showed in reviewing that decision might have cost South Africa dearly when South Africans were penalized for employing only three fielders outside the ring during New Zealand’s last over; such a risk allowed Green and Gaze to squeeze those priceless extra runs.
South Africa’s Sloppy Feilding
South Africa’s fielding wasn’t as sharp as it had been during their semifinal against Australia, even though they did hold onto several tough catches. They dropped what would have been an important catch off the final ball of New Zealand’s innings when Sune Luus failed to hold onto the ball, allowing the Kiwis to run some extras. South Africa conceded 15 extras, including two no-balls for cutting the return crease—decisions that were dubious but weren’t the decider.
New Zealand’s Complete Domination
The bottom line was that New Zealand batted, bowled and fielded better than their opponents, sustaining the momentum they created throughout the tournament. South Africans had begun well in the powerplay, but they lacked the discipline and sharpness they had shown against Australia and seemed relatively flat in the final.
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Creates History
The victory is well-timed and in a way, historic for New Zealand women’s cricket as they etched another proud page in their sporting annals.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
