Dubai, Oct 19 — New Zealand’s golden generation, led by inspirational captain Sophie Devine, will have one final shot at securing an ICC trophy when they face a determined South Africa in the Women’s T20 World Cup final on Sunday, ensuring a new champion is crowned.
New Zealand, whose last global triumph came in the 2000 ODI World Cup, is eager to end a long drought. None of the current players were part of that historic victory, but the team, under Devine, along with veterans Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, has shown resilience despite recent struggles, including a 10-match losing streak before this tournament. Their performance so far has reignited hope for their first ICC T20 World Cup title.
For Devine, 35, with over 7,000 runs in white-ball cricket, and Bates, 37, with more than 10,000 runs, this could be the last time they play together on such a grand stage. Pacer Lea Tahuhu, 34, with 112 ODI and 93 T20I wickets, also looks poised to make her mark in what could be her final global tournament. This trio will leave no stone unturned in their quest for the World Cup trophy.
South Africa, meanwhile, will be just as motivated, having narrowly lost to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final. Their victory over the six-time champions in this tournament’s semifinals was a statement performance, knocking out the seemingly invincible Australian team and setting the stage for a historic final.
New Zealand has seen individual players rise to the occasion throughout the tournament, including Kerr, who has claimed 12 wickets so far. Her efforts, along with key contributions from Eden Carson (8 wickets), Rosemary Mair (7 wickets), and Tahuhu, have kept New Zealand in contention. Their semifinal win over the West Indies demonstrated the Kiwis’ ability to stay composed and deliver under pressure.
On the other hand, South Africa boasts two of the tournament’s top batters: Laura Wolvaardt (190 runs) and Tazmin Brits (170 runs). Their commanding semifinal victory over Australia, chasing down 135/5 with ease, underlined the team’s all-round strength. Wolvaardt and Brits, alongside players like Anneke Bosch and Marizanne Kapp, will be central to South Africa’s chances.
With both teams eyeing their first T20 World Cup title, the final promises to be a tightly contested battle. For New Zealand, it’s a shot at redemption after near misses in previous editions, while South Africa will seek to erase the pain of their 2023 World Cup loss and create history on the global stage.
Squads:
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (captain), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder (wk), Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon.
Match Time: 7:30 PM IST.
