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NZ-W Vs SA-W Final Highlights: New Zealand Win Maiden T20 WC After Inspiring Comeback With Ball

New Zealand wins 2024 Women's T20 World Cup title (@WHITE_FERNS/X.com)New Zealand wins 2024 Women's T20 World Cup title (@WHITE_FERNS/X.com)

In a monumental night of the finals, New Zealand Women scripted history to win the country’s first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup after beating a dominant South Africa by 32 runs on the eve of the finals. The 158/5 total filled the team with confidence as despite South Africa’s strong start, the Kiwis made a comeback in the middle overs with back-to-back wickets, leading to Proteas’ collapse to 126/9.

Here’s the timeline of how NZ-W Vs SA-W panned out in Dubai:

NZ-W vs SA-W Highlights: Amelia Kerr-Halliday boosts New Zealand to a respectable total

New Zealand was put into bat first and lost Georgia Plimmer early in the powerplay. Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr added 30 odd runs for the second wicket before Mlaba broke the partnership by knocking out Bates on 32 (31). Captain Sophie Devine failed to step up as well before Kerr and Brooke Halliday added 57 runs combined for the fourth wicket. That partnership played a key role in steering New Zealand to a match-winning total of 158/5. Amelia Kerr once again starred with 43 off 38 balls, including four timely boundaries, and was the highest scorer for the Kiwis. 

NZ-W vs SA-W Highlights: Laura Wolvaardt gets the perfect start for South Africa

Despite the pressure of the chase, South African openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits stacked up a 50-run opening stand to put the Kiwis under the pump. Boundaries were flowing at ease until Fran Jonas got the breakthrough of Brits. Laura fell shortly after, with South Africa reducing to 59/2. Still, they had the advantage of a blazing start, especially with in-form Anneke Bosch and Marizanne Kapp behind in the middle-order.

However, tables turned in the blink of an eye after Amelia Kerr forced Bosch to nick her drifter that went straight to the keeper. In a devastating phase of play, the Proteas lost two back-to-back wickets. While Marizanne Kapp miscued a slog sweep, Klerk mistimed a hard drive that caught the thick edge and landed in the safe hands of Amelia Kerr at short third man. 

NZ-W vs SA-W Highlights: New Zealand crowned Women’s T20 Champions

The dual strike completely shattered South Africa’s momentum and confidence as they collapsed to 97/6 by 15 overs. With the asking rate soaring above 12.00, a comeback was impossible as the Kiwis restricted the Proteas to 126/9, thus winning the contest by 32 runs.

With that, New Zealand Women are the new World Women’s T20 Champions, which is their maiden ICC title. Scenes were jubilant in the middle as the Kiwis emotionally celebrated the historical moment. On the other hand, a heartbreaking South African team dropped to their knees in anguish.