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Sophie Devine Reflects On How 'Three Grandmas' Had To Wait 15 Years For World Cup Trophy

NZ W defeated SA W to lift their maiden T20 World Cup [Source: icc-cricket.com]NZ W defeated SA W to lift their maiden T20 World Cup [Source: icc-cricket.com]

New Zealand's legendary trio, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu—fondly dubbed the "grandmas" of their team—finally grabbed the ultimate prize as White Ferns claimed their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title on Sunday. In a complete team performance, the White Ferns outclassed South Africa by 32 runs to bring home the coveted trophy in Dubai.

Devine’s Dream Comes True

Captain Sophie Devine, who humorously referred to herself and her veteran teammates as “three grandmas,” couldn't contain her joy after leading the team to victory.

“I started to dream last night about what it would feel like to hold the trophy with this team, but I didn’t want to get too ahead of us,” Devine said, beaming with pride.

It was a perfect fairy-tale finish for Devine (35) and Bates (37), who had both previously endured the heartbreak of two T20 World Cup finals losses, in 2009 and 2010.

Suzie Bates Sets the Stage

As expected, Bates rose to the occasion, showcasing her class at the top of the order. With 32 off 31 deliveries, she set the tone for the innings, helping New Zealand Women post a competitive 158/5. Her performance also saw her surpass Mithali Raj (333 matches) as the most-capped player in women’s international cricket, with 334 matches under her belt.

“It is just outstanding and speaks volumes about who Suzie is as a player,” Devine remarked. “She’s now the most-capped player in the history of the game on the women’s side, and to see her play with such aggression and fearlessness set the tone for the rest of the batting lineup. I am just so stoked that we were able to lift it for her,” she added.

Tahuhu Holds the Fort

Often flying under the radar compared to Bates and Devine, Lea Tahuhu played a crucial role with the ball. In the final, Tahuhu’s disciplined bowling kept South Africa’s batters in check, maintaining pressure throughout. Her efforts have now pushed her career T20I wickets tally to 93, making her New Zealand’s second-highest wicket-taker in T20Is, just behind Devine.

Praising Tahuhu’s never-say-die spirit, Devine stated, “Lea’s the sort of person you want in your team because you know she’ll scrap for you. If I throw her the ball, I know she’s going to make something happen—and she did just that today.”

South Africa Falls Short in Chase

Chasing 159, South Africa started well with captain Laura Wolvaardt (33 off 27) and Tazmin Brits (17 off 18) forging a 51-run stand for the opening wicket. However, a series of wickets soon led to their downfall, as they struggled to rebuild. 

The hosts finished at 126/9, unable to recover from the constant pressure applied by the White Ferns’ bowling attack, spearheaded by Kerr and Rosemary Mair (3/25).

For Bates, Devine, and Tahuhu, this victory marks the culmination of years of persistence, and sheer willpower. It was a moment long overdue but all the sweeter when it finally arrived. With this win, New Zealand’s “grandmas” have ensured their place among T20 greats, proving that sometimes, third time’s the charm.