Amelia Kerr displayed her all-round brilliance to guide New Zealand to their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title by defeating South Africa in the final here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
South Africa, the runners-up of the 2023 edition, once again failed to win the trophy as they could not chase the 159-run target.
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Amelia Kerr put on a stellar performance, earning the Player of the Match award. She showcased her all-round capabilities by scoring 43 runs off 38 balls and taking 3 wickets for 24 runs.
While chasing 159, South Africa got off to a flying start with a 51-run opening stand between skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits.
However, Fran Jonas provided the breakthrough with the wicket of Brits, who scored 17 off 18 to disrupt South Africa’s momentum.
Laura Wolvaardt top-scored with 33 off 27 before falling prey to Amelia Kerr, leaving South Africa reeling at 59-2.
New Zealand bowlers did not allow South Africa to make a comeback and restricted them to 126-9 courtesy of timely wickets.
Apart from the opening batters, only Chloe Tryon (14) and Annerie Dercksen (10) managed to reach double figures for South Africa.
For New Zealand, Rosemary Mair also took three wickets along with Kerr, while Jonas, Eden Carson and Brooke Halliday managed one wicket each.
Earlier, South Africa invited New Zealand to bat first in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 and earned an early breakthrough in the second over.
