DUBAI: The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will crown a new champion as New Zealand Women take on South Africa Women in the final match in Dubai on Sunday. The match is set to begin at 7:00 pm Pakistan Standard Time.
This marks New Zealand’s first appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final since 2010, while South Africa are playing their second consecutive final, having narrowly lost to Australia last year in Cape Town.
South Africa’s dramatic victory over the defending champions in the semifinals has set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling finale, with both teams eager to claim their first-ever T20 World Cup title.
For years, Australia has dominated the tournament, winning six of the previous eight editions, while England and the West Indies have been the only other teams to lift the trophy. This time, with Australia out of the running, either New Zealand or South Africa will etch their names into history as new champions.
New Zealand, led by captain Sophie Devine, earned their place in the final after a hard-fought semifinal victory over the West Indies. Despite a modest total of 128-9, the White Ferns defended their score with an excellent bowling performance, thanks to Amelia Kerr, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets, and Eden Carson.
Reflecting on the final, Devine expressed optimism, stating, “We are really excited about the final. We have nothing to lose, and that is a great space to be.”
However, Devine is well aware of the challenge posed by South Africa. The Proteas, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, have grown into a formidable team, with players like Marizanne Kapp and Anneke Bosch leading from the front.
Bosch’s unbeaten 74 against Australia in the semifinals was instrumental in South Africa’s eight-wicket victory. Devine acknowledged the threat posed by South Africa, calling them “an incredible side.”
South Africa’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Nonkululeko Mlaba and supported by Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, has been a significant factor in their success. Mlaba is tied as the tournament’s second-highest wicket-taker with 10 wickets.
Speaking after the semifinal, Bosch praised her team’s resilience, saying, “I’m just incredibly proud of everyone and the way we’ve approached this whole World Cup. I think we haven’t played our best game yet, but hopefully we’re leaving it for the final.”
