New Zealand were crowned as the new champion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final on Oct. 20. After finishing runners-up in 2009 and 2010, “White Ferns” won the coveted trophy, for the first time in the history of the event. The success was the culmination of a wish, the Kiwi women had been dreaming of for a long time.
New Zealand has thus become the fourth team, after Australia, England, and West Indies, to win the World Cup crown.
Based on the performance of the teams, six top finishers – New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, West Indies and India have already qualified for the 2026 T20 World Cup for women to be played in England.
CHAMPIONS
— ICC (@ICC) October 20, 2024
New Zealand win their maiden Women's #T20WorldCup title #WhateverItTakes #SAvNZ pic.twitter.com/DOfyWZgLUf
Amelia Kerr was the star attraction of the Kiwis' impressive win. She not only n emerged as the highest scorer for her team with an innings of 43 from 37 balls but also claimed three wickets for 24 runs to contain the South Africans 32 runs short of the victory target of 159.
Defying all odds and silencing all doubters who questioned the form of the team on the eve of the tournament, the New Zealand team marked a watershed moment for the country’s cricket by carrying home its first T20 World Cup trophy to the great jubilations of cricket fans back home.
Batting first, White Ferns hoisted 158 for five in the stipulated 20 overs, thanks to some good batting by Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday (38). This target set by New Zealand has never been successfully chased in any of the previous World Cups.
Kerr and Halliday formed a crucial partnership that flourished for the Kiwis. Their combined efforts provided the necessary momentum enabling their team to surpass the 15-run mark.
Competitive rivals, but friends of the game
— ICC (@ICC) October 21, 2024
Ellyse Perry joined a host of cricket's stars to pay tribute to #T20WorldCup winners New Zealand
More https://t.co/niPPiDwAFW#WhateverItTakes pic.twitter.com/oCjmPW2GwD
Amelia Kerr, who had already established herself as the top wicket-taker of the tournament, continued her impressive form with the ball as well, claiming three crucial South African wickets. Young Rosemary Mair replicated her figures and proved the second major wrecker-in-chief of the South African team.
New Zealand 158 for five in 20 overs ( Amelia Kerr 43, Suzie Bates 32, Brooke Halliday 38, Nonkululeko Mlaba 2/31) beat South Africa 126 for 9 in 20 overs (Laura Walvaardt 33, Tazmin Brits 17, Chloe Tryon 14, Amelia Kerr 3 for 24, and Rosemary Mair 3 for 25).
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