Aayal QureshiDubai: New Zealand’s women’s cricket team claimed their first-ever T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs in a thrilling final. All-rounder Melie Kerr was instrumental in the victory, named Player of the Tournament after a standout performance with both bat and ball.
Kerr top-scored for New Zealand with 43 off 38 balls, and despite being hampered by severe cramp in the Dubai heat, she managed to turn the match around by taking the crucial wickets of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch in the 10th over. Her effort helped New Zealand defend their total of 158, a score built on gritty partnerships and hard running between the wickets.
This victory marked New Zealand’s first global trophy since their triumph in the 2000 Women’s Cricket World Cup and came after a poor run of form that included a 5-0 whitewash by England earlier in the year. The win is also a vindication for veterans Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu, who have led the side for years without tasting World Cup success. For Bates, who became the most-capped player in women’s internationals during the final, this victory was the culmination of years of effort.
“This means everything to us,” Bates said. “We’ve fought our way back to the top after some dark times, and this victory is for everyone who stuck with us.”
Devine echoed the sentiment, saying, “It’s hard to put into words what it means for me and for New Zealand cricket – it’s been a long time between drinks.”
Kerr’s bowling performance, finishing with figures of 3 for 24, was backed by the entire team. Brooke Halliday contributed with a crucial 57-run stand alongside Kerr, while Rosemary Mair, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson picked up key wickets to derail South Africa’s chase. Tahuhu’s spell of five consecutive dot balls frustrated South Africa, forcing Wolvaardt into a rash shot that led to her dismissal.
South Africa, chasing 159, started strong but lost momentum after Tahuhu’s pressure and the quick wickets of Wolvaardt and Bosch. Despite a promising start, their run chase fizzled out, leaving them short of the target.
New Zealand’s batting innings saw contributions from Bates (32) and Kerr, though the middle order stumbled after a strong start. South Africa’s ill-discipline with the ball, conceding 10 wides and three no-balls, and a costly slow over rate allowed New Zealand to gain a crucial advantage in the final overs. Maddy Green’s six off the penultimate ball provided a much-needed momentum boost to set up the win.
For the Kiwi team, this historic triumph caps off years of perseverance and marks a monumental moment for women’s cricket in New Zealand.
