New Delhi: New Zealand hammered South Africa by 32 runs in the final at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on Sunday to lift the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 title. The White Ferns rode on a brilliant all-round performance from all-rounder Amelia Kerr to clinch their maiden title after getting the better of the Proteas in the blockbuster summit clash.
Kerr played a valuable knock of 43 runs to help New Zealand post a strong total of 158 runs on the board, batting first in the final before picking up a three-wicket haul to star in her side’s victory. Thanks to Kerr’s brilliant spell, New Zealand managed to restrict the Proteas women to 126/9 in 20 overs to lift the elusive trophy, capping off a dream World Cup campaign.
The New Zealand players celebrated their memorable triumph in style as they were spotted singing a traditional Maori folk song together after their victory in the final. After dazzling on the field with her all-round effort, Kerr showcased her skills with the guitar as her teammates sang the traditional Maori folk song ‘Te iwi e’ in Dubai. ICC shared a video of the New Zealand players singing together to celebrate their victory.
It was a historic Sunday for New Zealand as both the men’s and women’s cricket teams achieved rare feats. While the women’s team lifted their maiden T20 World Cup title after beating South Africa, Tom Latham-led New Zealand men’s team defeated India by 8 wickets in the 1st Test between the two sides in Bengaluru to record their first Test victory on Indian soil after 36 years.
New Zealand produce clinical show in final
It was a clinical show from New Zealand in the final as they got the better of South Africa comfortably to win the trophy. Asked to bat first, New Zealand got off to a shaky start as they lost opener Georgia Plimmer cheaply on 9 off 7 balls. However, veteran batter Suzie Bates (32) combined with Kerr (43) to share a 37-run stand for the second wicket. Brooke Halliday played a brilliant cameo of 28-ball 38 to power New Zealand to 158/5 in 20 overs.
In reply, South Africa got off to a strong start as skipper Laura Wolvaardt continued her fine form in the final. She played an impressive knock of 33 runs off 27 balls and shared a 51-run stand with her opening partner Tanzim Brits (17). However, South Africa kept losing wickets at regular intervals after the duo’s dismissal to get restricted to 126 in 20 overs.
Amelia Kerr was seen playing the guitar as New Zealand players sang a traditional folk song to celebrate their triumph in the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. New Zealand defeated South Africa by 32 runs to lift their maiden title. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today