New Zealand has triumphed, defeating South Africa by 32 runs to claim the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup title. It’s a moment of joy for the White Ferns, while South Africa faces heartbreak once again. Captain Sophie Devine was visibly emotional, sharing a heartfelt hug with her long-time friend and teammate, Amy Satterthwaite. Meanwhile, bowler Amelia Kerr couldn’t hold back her tears after the victory. This marks the second consecutive final loss for South Africa, who once again had to settle for the runner-up position.
An Unexpected Journey
Despite not being favored to win after suffering 10 consecutive losses, New Zealand launched their campaign with a stunning performance against India and maintained that momentum throughout the tournament. In the semi-finals, they defended a low score against the West Indies, showcasing their resilience and team spirit.
Match Highlights
Batting first in the final, New Zealand started the powerplay with enthusiasm. Amelia Kerr was the standout performer, scoring 43 runs and taking three wickets. Other contributors like Hayley Jensen and Maddy Green played vital roles, while the fielding unit held on to every catch. New Zealand set a target of 159 runs for South Africa.
South Africa began their innings with promise but struggled to keep up the pace. After a solid opening partnership, they faltered as wickets began to tumble. Despite a decent contribution from Laura Wolvaardt, who scored 33 runs, the team ultimately managed only 126 runs in their allotted 20 overs, falling short of the target.
Final Score
- New Zealand Women: 158/5
- South Africa Women: 126/9 (20 overs, Target: 159)
New Zealand’s remarkable turnaround and determination have crowned them the champions of the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, etching their names in cricket history once again.
