New Zealand crowned Women's T20 WC champions,beat South Africa

Kiwi bowling allrounder Amelie Kerr was the hero for New Zealand, top-scoring with 43 before bagging 3/23 as the White Ferns beat South Africa by 32 runs to triumph Women's T20 World Cup for the first time in their history. After being asked to bat first, New Zealand got off to an average start as veteran opener Suzie Bates scored 32 runs during his time on the crease. Bates also became the most capped player in the history of Women's Internationals with her appearance in the game. And, despite wickets falling, the Kiwis built well through the middle overs, as Kerr (43) played an anchoring role alongside the explosive Brooke Halliday (38). A late cameo from Maddy Green lifted the total to 158/5 in the first inning, leaving South Africa with a stern test.

What a win!

The White Ferns are the Women's #T20WorldCup 2024 champions #WhateverItTakes | #SAvNZ https://t.co/3pXqANq4KL pic.twitter.com/sAcRKAESWB

— ICC (@ICC) October 20, 2024

South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and decided to bowl first against New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.Both teams were unchanged, while the Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine said she was happy with the toss outcome and would have batted first in any case. And her top order showed why, getting the Kiwis off to a decent start in the powerplay.
The victory came 14 years after the White Ferns lost to Australia by just three runs in the 2010 final. They also lost to England in the 2009 championship match. For South Africa it made for a double disappointment having lost last year's final to Australia in Cape Town.