The White Ferns shocked South Africa to claim their first-ever Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup victory in Dubai.
The New Zealand team, which came into the tournament on a 10-match losing streak, surprised many by winning the final on Sunday.
Batting first, New Zealand scored 158/5 in 20 overs. Amelia Kerr led the way with 43 runs off 38 balls, forming a key partnership of 57 runs with Brooke Halliday, who added 38 off 28 balls. South Africa, known for their strong top-order batting, got off to a steady start but struggled to keep their momentum as they lost wickets at crucial moments.
Openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits gave South Africa hope with a 51-run partnership. However, New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Fran Jonas, Kerr, and Eden Carson, took control. South Africa’s middle-order crumbled, with five wickets falling for just 26 runs, leaving them at 77/5 in the 13th over.
Chloe Tryon, a powerful hitter, was South Africa’s last hope. But she fell trying to clear the boundary, and with 38 runs needed from the final over, New Zealand’s victory was certain. Rosemary Mair and Suzie Bates played key roles in the field, with Bates taking three catches to keep the pressure on South Africa.
For New Zealand, the win was not just a title but a comeback story. “Pretty unbelievable to be honest,” said Mair. “We came in with the odds against us, and now we’re world champions.”
The victory was also emotional for captain Sophie Devine, who played her final match as skipper. Suzie Bates, a veteran of the team, said the moment meant everything after years of hard work and setbacks. “We’ve fought our way back to the top,” she said.
Amelia Kerr, who shone throughout the tournament, was named Player of the Match and also finished as the tournament’s top wicket-taker.
