New Zealand triumphed in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, defeating South Africa by 32 runs at the Dubai International Stadium.
The Black Caps lifted the trophy after an impressive all-round display, excelling in both batting and bowling to set a target that South Africa couldn’t surpass.
Choosing to bowl first, South Africa restricted New Zealand to 158-5 in their 20 overs. Suzie Bates played a key role for New Zealand, scoring 32 runs from 31 balls before being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the seventh over. Her opening partner, Georgia Plimmer, struggled to get going, managing just nine runs before falling in the second over to Ayabonga Khaka.
Read more: South Africa Defeats Australia to Secure Spot in Women’s T20 World Cup Final
Despite early setbacks, New Zealand’s middle order held firm. Brooke Halliday contributed a vital 38 from 28 balls, including three boundaries, while Amelia Kerr top-scored with 43 off 35 balls before being caught by Tazmin Brits off Mlaba’s bowling. Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze remained unbeaten at the close, scoring 12 and 3 runs respectively.
South Africa’s bowlers worked hard, with Mlaba taking two key wickets and Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each claiming one.
Chasing 159, South Africa struggled, finishing on 126-9 in their 20 overs. Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with 33 from 27 balls, but regular wickets hampered the chase. Her dismissal in the ninth over triggered a collapse, with the middle order failing to establish meaningful partnerships.
Tazmin Brits managed 17 before falling to Fran Jonas in the sixth over, while Anneke Bosch (9), Marizanne Kapp (8), and Sune Luus (8) were dismissed cheaply. Chloe Tryon added a brief resistance with 14 runs, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide. South Africa’s lower order, including Nadine de Klerk (6), Annerie Dercksen (10), and Sinalo Jafta (6), couldn’t make an impact as the required run rate climbed.
New Zealand’s bowlers were on point, with Fran Jonas and Eden Carson delivering tight spells. Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu also played crucial roles in limiting South Africa’s chances.
The game concluded with Nonkululeko Mlaba (4) and Ayabonga Khaka (4) at the crease, but the run rate was too steep, securing a 32-run victory for New Zealand and their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup title.
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.
