Today, New Zealand made history at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium by winning their first Women’s T20 World Cup. By a margin of 32 runs, Sophie Devine’s squad defeated South Africa. They also became just the fourth country in the tournament’s history to win the title.
Bating first, Melie Kerr (43), Brooke Halliday (38), and Suzie Bates (32) helped the White Ferns score 158/5 on the board. South Africa’s openers, Laura Wolvaardt (c) and Tazmin Brits, got off to a strong start, amassing 51 from 6.5 overs until Tazmin Brits was removed at 17. When the score reached 59 in 9.1 overs, Laura was also removed shortly after.
Only two players, Annerie Dercksen (10) and Chloe Tryon (14) were able to score the two-digit number after the openers were out. Amelia Kerr’s (3/24) and Rosemary Mair’s (3/25) three-wicket hauls helped New Zealand finish the South Africa innings with 126-9 (20 Ov).
Amelia Kerr’s outstanding efforts throughout the competition earned her the titles of “Player Of The Match” and “Player Of The Series.”