New Zealand Triumphs Over South Africa to Win 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup Final

In an intense showdown at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, New Zealand’s White Ferns secured a stunning 32-run victory over South Africa in Dubai, crowning themselves champions. Despite South Africa’s determination, New Zealand’s superior performance in both batting and bowling sealed their fate.

New Zealand’s Batting Dominates

After being invited to bat first, New Zealand posted an impressive total of 158/5, the second-highest score ever recorded in a Women’s T20 World Cup final.

Leading the charge was Amelia Kerr, whose patient 43 anchored the innings, while Brooke Halliday added a brisk 38 to frustrate the South African bowlers.

South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba stood out with figures of 2/31, offering some resistance.

Marizanne Kapp delivered another solid performance with an economical 0/25, but the Proteas’ bowling unit overall struggled with discipline, conceding 15 extras compared to New Zealand’s 7.

South Africa’s Struggles with the Bat

Chasing 159 for victory, South Africa faltered under the pressure.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt top-scored with 33, but support from her teammates was lacking.

Laura Wolvaardt Instagram

Tazmin Brits contributed 17 off 18 balls, while Chloe Tryon (14) and Annerie Dercksen (10) couldn’t build on their starts.

New Zealand’s bowling attack proved too much for the Proteas, with Amelia Kerr shining once again, claiming 3/24, while Rosemary Mair backed her up with 3/25. South Africa ultimately finished at 126/9, falling 32 runs short of their target.

Post-Match Reflections

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed her disappointment after the match, saying, “It’s obviously not a nice feeling. A lot of us thought this was our opportunity. I think we probably let them score a bit too many with the bat.”

While South Africa showed moments of brilliance throughout the tournament, New Zealand’s clinical execution in the final earned them their well-deserved title.