NEW DELHI: New Zealand produced a magnificent performance to beat South Africa by 32 runs and secure their first ever Women’s T20 World Cup championship in Dubai on Sunday.
The win capped a momentous day for New Zealand cricket as the men’s team also achieved their first Test win in India in 36 years earlier in the day.
Despite being put into bat by South Africa, who were appearing in their second successive final, the New Zealand team, led by Sophie Devineexcelled under pressure and posted an impressive total of 158 for five on a pitch that favored low scores throughout the tournament.
Amelia Kerr contributed a vital 43 off 38 balls while Brooke Halliday’s impressive 38 off 28 balls fired New Zealand past the 150-run mark.
In reply, South Africa’s first pair led by captain Laura Volward (33 off 27), took their team to 47 for no loss in the power play.
However, the New Zealand bowlers managed to limit the opposition’s scoring and South Africa eventually finished with 126 for nine in their allotted 20 overs.
Kerr shone with her leg-spin, claiming three wickets for 24 runs in her four-match spell.
New Zealand’s success in the tournament was a remarkable turnaround considering they entered the competition on the back of a 10-game losing streak.
Throughout the tournament, they consistently displayed the best bowling unit by a sizeable lead and in the final they raised their batting performance to secure the championship.
South Africa’s chances of victory have dwindled considerably after the loss of their determined captain Wolvaardt in the 10th over.
Kerr claimed the crucial wicket while Walward, looking to increase his scoring rate, found Susie Bates at cover.
The dismissal of semi-final hero Anneke Bosch just five balls later further cemented New Zealand’s advantage. Faced with increasing pressure from the New Zealand bowlers, South Africa’s inexperienced middle order struggled to mount a successful chase.
