In a moment that will be etched in New Zealand cricket history, the women’s team clinched their first-ever T20I World Cup title with a sensational 32-run win over South Africa in the final at Dubai International Stadium. The victory came hours after the men’s team secured a historic Test win in India, marking October 20 as a day of double celebration for New Zealand cricket.
With the nation still buzzing from their men’s triumph, the women’s team delivered their own moment of glory, overcoming a challenging start to post 158 for 5 and then successfully defending the total against a South African side that could only manage 126 for 9.
A Dream Day for New Zealand Cricket
New Zealand entered the final amid a storm of doubts, having suffered a 10-match losing streak in T20 internationals leading into the tournament—the longest losing run any team has ever turned around to win a World Cup. Yet, on the biggest stage, the White Ferns rose to the occasion, demonstrating resilience and brilliance under pressure.
Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, the veterans of New Zealand cricket, played pivotal roles in this historic win. The duo, who have been the cornerstone of the country’s cricketing success for years, lifted the trophy in what could be the final chapter of their international careers.
“It’s a moment we’ve dreamed about for a long time,” said Bates, who played a crucial role at the top of the order. “It’s a relief to finally get over the line after so many years of hard work and near misses.”
New Zealand’s Batting: Halliday and Kerr Take Charge
After losing Georgia Plimmer early in their innings, New Zealand found themselves in a tricky spot. Bates, who had been struggling for form with a strike rate of just 90.77 in the tournament, got the team off to a decent start. However, her stay was short-lived as the slow surface made stroke-making difficult.
With the pressure mounting, New Zealand’s middle order needed to step up—and it was Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday who rose to the occasion. Kerr, battling cramps, top-scored with 43, anchoring the innings through a tough period. Her knock came after a stuttering middle phase in the New Zealand innings, which saw them go 48 balls without a boundary.
But it was Brooke Halliday who injected fresh energy into the innings. The left-hander, known for her gritty performances, brought out her best in the final, scoring a career-best 38 off 28 balls. Halliday’s aggressive approach, particularly with a series of powerful sweeps and slog shots, allowed New Zealand to break free from the shackles and accelerate in the final overs. Her partnership with Kerr produced 50 runs in just 37 balls, setting the stage for Maddy Green to provide a late flourish, as New Zealand added 48 runs in the last five overs to finish at 158 for 5.
South Africa’s Response Falls Short
Chasing 159 for victory, South Africa’s response was hampered from the start. Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s top-order stars, made decent starts but struggled to push the scoreboard along as New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Rosemary Mair and Amelia Kerr, tightened the screws.
Mair was outstanding with the ball, taking 3 for 25, while Kerr, who had starred with the bat, added three crucial wickets to her performance, finishing with 3 for 24. Despite a valiant 33 from Wolvaardt, South Africa’s innings never gained the momentum needed to chase down the total.
In the end, New Zealand’s bowlers suffocated South Africa’s chase, and they were eventually restricted to 126 in the 19th over, securing New Zealand’s maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title.
A Historic Win for New Zealand
This victory marks a historic moment for New Zealand cricket, both in terms of achievement and symbolism. It is a fitting culmination of years of hard work and dedication from players like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who have been at the forefront of the sport in New Zealand despite financial challenges and limited resources. Their leadership, alongside the emerging talent of players like Kerr and Halliday, has laid the foundation for this remarkable triumph.
As the New Zealand players lifted the trophy under the Dubai lights, their smiles reflected the culmination of a journey that began years ago, when they narrowly lost the final at Kensington Oval in 2010. For them, and for a cricket-mad nation of just four million, this victory will be remembered for years to come.
“This is more than just a win,” said Kerr. “It’s for all the girls and boys back home who look up to us and dream of one day achieving something like this. We’re just so proud to bring this home.”
New Zealand’s Women’s T20 World Cup victory has made history, and as they return to their homeland, they are not just champions, but also symbols of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself against all odds.
Match Scorecard
New Zealand 158/5 (20 overs)
Amelia Kerr 43 (38), Brooke Halliday 38 (28), Suzie Bates 32 (29)
Extras: 15 (Leg-byes 2, No-ball 3, Wides 10)
Bowling:
– Sune Luus 4-0-33-1
– Marizanne Kapp 4-0-28-1
– Nonkululeko Mlaba 4-0-31-2
– Shabnim Ismail 4-0-35-1
– Nadine de Klerk 4-0-30-0
South Africa 126/9 (19 overs)
Laura Wolvaardt 33 (28), Tazmin Brits 22 (19), Nadine de Klerk 19 (18)
Extras: 7 (5 wides, 2 byes)
Bowling:
– Amelia Kerr 4-0-24-3
– Rosemary Mair 4-0-25-3
– Sophie Devine 4-0-34-0
– Jess Kerr 4-0-26-1
– Lea Tahuhu 3-0-17-1
