On October 20, 2024, New Zealand and South Africa faced off in a thrilling ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams were vying for their first-ever T20 World Cup title. The atmosphere was electric, with fans from both nations eagerly awaiting the outcome.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bowl first. This decision was influenced by the conditions, as teams had generally preferred to chase in previous matches at this venue. New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, led her team with determination. They entered this final after a remarkable journey, overcoming a ten-match losing streak before the tournament began.
The match started with New Zealand batting first. Their innings began slowly as South Africa’s bowlers applied pressure. The White Ferns struggled early on, losing wickets at regular intervals. Devine was dismissed for just six runs, putting her team in a precarious position. However, Georgia Plimmer stepped up and played a crucial innings, scoring 33 runs.
Despite these efforts, New Zealand could only manage to post a total of 128 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their allotted overs. South Africa’s bowlers were outstanding, with Ayabonga Khaka and Marizanne Kapp leading the attack. Khaka took two wickets for 24 runs, while Kapp contributed significantly with her all-round performance.
In response, South Africa began their chase confidently. Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch opened the innings, providing a solid foundation. Wolvaardt scored 42 runs before being dismissed, but Bosch remained a key player throughout the innings. She showcased her skills and resilience under pressure.
As South Africa approached their target, tension filled the air. With each run scored, the excitement among fans grew. However, New Zealand’s bowlers fought back valiantly in the latter stages of the innings. Eden Carson and Amelia Kerr delivered crucial overs that kept South Africa on their toes.
The match reached a nail-biting conclusion, as South Africa needed just a few runs to secure victory. In a dramatic finish, they chased down New Zealand’s total with just one ball remaining. The final score was South Africa 129 for 5 in 19.5 overs.
This victory marked a significant achievement for South Africa, as they clinched their first Women’s T20 World Cup title. The players celebrated joyously on the field, and fans erupted in cheers from the stands.
Match Summary Table,
| Team | Innings Score | Wickets Lost | Overs Faced |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 128 | 9 | 20 |
| South Africa | 129 | 5 | 19.5 |
Both teams displayed remarkable talent throughout the tournament. New Zealand made it to its first final in 14 years after overcoming significant challenges earlier in the competition. On their path to the final, it defeated India and the West Indies.
South Africa’s journey was equally impressive. They had knocked out defending champions Australia in the semi-finals with an outstanding performance led by Anneke Bosch’s unbeaten 74 runs.
The match showcased competitive cricket and highlighted the growth of women’s cricket globally. Both teams have set new standards and inspired many young players worldwide.
In post-match interviews, players from both teams expressed pride in their performances throughout the tournament. Sophie Devine reflected on her team’s journey and emphasized their determination to improve further.
On the other hand, Laura Wolvaardt spoke about how this victory meant everything to her team and their supporters back home in South Africa. She acknowledged that they had worked hard to achieve this dream and hoped it would inspire future cricketers.
This final will be remembered for its thrilling conclusion and what it represents—the emergence of new champions in women’s cricket and an exciting future ahead for the sport globally. As fans celebrated this historic win for South Africa, both teams left Dubai with heads held high after an unforgettable tournament filled with passion and determination.
