Amelia Kerr’s 43 runs and Brooke Halliday’s 38 helped New Zealand set a target of 158, leading to their victory in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final against South Africa by 32 runs at the Dubai International Stadium.
Opting to bowl first, South Africa managed to restrict New Zealand to 158-5 in their 20 overs. Suzie Bates contributed a solid 32 runs off 31 balls before being dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba. Opening partner Georgia Plimmer struggled, scoring only 9 runs before falling to Ayabonga Khaka.
The middle order stood firm, with Brooke Halliday scoring 38 off 28 balls and Amelia Kerr shining as the top scorer with 43 runs off 35 balls before being caught by Tazmin Brits off Mlaba’s bowling. Maddy Green and Isabella Gaze remained unbeaten, adding 12 and 3 runs respectively.
South Africa’s bowling attack fought hard, with Mlaba taking two crucial wickets, while Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, and Chloe Tryon each claimed one.
In response, South Africa stumbled in their chase, ending at 126-9. Laura Wolvaardt was the top scorer with 33 runs off 27 balls, but the team’s batting order struggled after her dismissal in the ninth over, leading to a rapid decline.
Tazmin Brits added 17 runs before being dismissed by Fran Jonas. The middle order, including Anneke Bosch (9), Marizanne Kapp (8), and Sune Luus (8), failed to contribute significantly, while Chloe Tryon managed a late effort with 14 runs. The lower order crumbled under pressure, with Nadine de Klerk (6), Annerie Dercksen (10), and Sinalo Jafta (6) unable to turn the tide.
New Zealand’s bowlers excelled, with Fran Jonas and Eden Carson delivering economical spells, while Rosemary Mair and Lea Tahuhu also played vital roles in containing the South African batsmen.
The match concluded with Nonkululeko Mlaba (4*) and Ayabonga Khaka (4*) at the crease, but the required run rate had spiraled out of reach, sealing New Zealand’s well-deserved victory by 32 runs.
Score Summary:
New Zealand: 158-5 (Amelia Kerr 43, Brooke Halliday 38, Suzie Bates 32; Nonkululeko Mlaba 2-25)
South Africa: 126-9 (Laura Wolvaardt 33, Tazmin Brits 17; Fran Jonas 1-24)
Playing XIs:
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
