New Zealand Women made history by winning their first-ever ICC T20 World Cup 2024 title with a victory over South Africa at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.
The Kiwis posted a total of 158/5 and restricted South Africa to 126/9, securing the championship. Amelia Kerr was the standout performer for New Zealand, scoring 43 runs, supported by Suzie Bates with 32 runs and Brooke Halliday, who contributed 38 runs later in the innings.
Kerr not only excelled with the bat but also played a crucial role with the ball, taking three wickets and condemning South Africa to their second finals defeat. Rosemary Mair also made a significant impact with her own three-wicket haul.
Georgia Plimmer was dismissed early for 9 runs, falling to Ayabonga Khakha. However, Kerr and Bates stabilized the innings with a 37-run partnership for the second wicket. Bates was dismissed by Nonkululeko, and Sophie Devine followed soon after, scoring just 6 runs off 10 balls before being sent back by Nadine de Klerk.
Kerr and Halliday then combined for a vital 57-run partnership before Halliday was dismissed by Chloe Tryon. Kerr’s performance was pivotal, and Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze remained unbeaten at 12 and 3 runs, respectively.