New Zealand won their first ICC T20 World Cup title as they defeated South Africa by 32 runs in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 at Dubai. Australia's streak at the competition has finally been broken and it has been achieved by their neighbours New Zealand. It has been a fantastic achievement for the White Ferns as they had a memorable campaign throughout since they defeated India in the first match of the group stage. From there they never looked back as they defeated West Indies in the semifinal and made it to the final to defeat the Proteas Women and seal the title victory in their favour. After the disappointment of the last few editions, it will give a big boost to the New Zealand Women. Suzie Bates Surpasses Mithali Raj to Become Most-Capped Player in Women's International Cricket, Achieves Feat As She Makes 334th Appearance During SA-W vs NZ-W ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 Final.

South Africa Women won the toss and opted to bowl first in the final. New Zealand Women were happy to bat and they got off to a steady start despite losing Georgia Plimmer early. Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr stitched a steady partnership taking the White Ferns to strong base from where they could launch an attack. The role was perfectly filled in by Amelia Kerr who acclerated and was supported well by Brooke Halliday. Maddy Green joined in with some lusty blows at the end and New Zealand set a big total of 158/5. Marizanne Kapp was completely neutralised and only Nonkululeko Mlaba shined picking up two wickets. Eden Carson Attends Post-Match Interview in Tears After Helping New Zealand Enter ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final With Victory Over West Indies (Watch Video).

Chasing it, South Africa Women also got off to a steady start. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits set up a good partnership and the first wicket tumbled after the powerplay when the Proteas Women were at 51. But it triggered a collapse as Laura Wolvaardt followed soon and was joined by Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Clerk and Anneke Bosch. Troubled by the middle order collapse, Chloe Tryon and Sune Luus tried to weather the blows but the pressure started to mount on them with the asking rate constantly creeping up. In the end the Proteas Women collapse and had to settle on only 126/9. Amelia Kerr led charge in the Kiwi bowling scalping three wickets while Rosemary Mair was also the pick of the bowlers with three wickets. The best finish for the White Ferns before this was securing runner-up position in 2009 and 2010.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2024 10:47 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).