Women T20 World Cup: New Zealand Triumphs Over South Africa in Historic Final
The Women T20 World Cup 2024 final between the South Africa National Cricket Team vs New Zealand National Cricket Team was a thrilling contest that ended with New Zealand securing a historic 32-run victory. This momentous win at the iconic Newlands Cricket Ground marked New Zealand’s first-ever T20 World Cup title, adding to their growing cricketing legacy.
With this win, New Zealand not only celebrated their dominance in women’s cricket but also mirrored their men’s team’s breakthrough victory in a Test match against India. It was a day of double delight for New Zealand cricket, reinforcing their standing on the global stage.

Suzie Bates Reflects on the Team’s Pride and Leadership
One of the most experienced players in the New Zealand squad, Suzie Bates, expressed immense pride and joy in the team’s performance. Having played in multiple World Cups, Bates described the victory as “unexpected yet incredibly rewarding.”
She acknowledged the crucial contributions of young talents like Georgia Plimmer, whose steady start at the top of the order provided a strong foundation. Bates also praised captain Sophie Devine, whose leadership kept the team united despite their struggles leading up to the tournament.
The turning point, according to Bates, was the performance of New Zealand’s spin attack, featuring Amelia Kerr and Fran Jonas. Their precise and economical bowling stifled South Africa’s chase, ensuring that New Zealand remained in control throughout the final.
Women T20 World Cup Final: Amelia Kerr’s All-Round Brilliance
A key figure in New Zealand’s success, Amelia Kerr, was deservedly named Player of the Final and Player of the Tournament for her all-round excellence.
Despite battling cramps during the match, Kerr’s composed innings and strategic bowling played a significant role in New Zealand’s victory. She highlighted the importance of Brooke Halliday’s calm presence at the crease, which allowed the team to maintain momentum even under pressure.
Kerr also reflected on her personal growth as a bowler, mentioning that the team’s spin attack strategy was central to their success in the tournament. Her ability to restrict runs and take crucial wickets at key moments ensured New Zealand’s path to glory.
Sophie Devine’s Captaincy: A Journey of Resilience and Team Unity
New Zealand’s captain, Sophie Devine, was nearly speechless after the match, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the victory.
She acknowledged the team’s struggles over the past 18 months, noting that they had faced a series of losses and challenges leading up to the tournament. However, the unwavering belief that their efforts would eventually yield success kept the squad motivated.
Devine took a moment to recognize the contributions of her fellow senior players, particularly Suzie Bates, who became the most-capped player in women’s cricket history, and Lea Tahuhu, whose disciplined bowling was instrumental in the final. Their experience and leadership guided the younger players, shaping a well-rounded and determined squad.
Lea Tahuhu’s Tenacity and New Zealand’s Strategic Game Plan
One of the key architects of New Zealand’s win was Lea Tahuhu, who described the victory as “surreal” and credited the team’s resilience and adaptability.
New Zealand’s bowling strategy, masterminded by head coach Ben Sawyer, played a crucial role in the final. The bowlers executed their game plan flawlessly, keeping South Africa’s batters under pressure with tight field placements and controlled deliveries.
Sawyer emphasized that the experienced core of the team—Bates, Devine, and Tahuhu—provided invaluable leadership, helping the younger players step up at critical moments.
Women T20 World Cup Final: Rising Stars and Unwavering Fan Support
While senior players dominated the spotlight, the tournament also marked the rise of emerging stars like Georgia Plimmer.
Plimmer spoke about the experience of playing in front of a passionate crowd and learning from veteran players, which she described as “priceless.” Meanwhile, Rosemary Mair highlighted the team’s unity and belief in overcoming adversity, stating that despite being underdogs, they had the determination to claim victory.
As New Zealand lifted the Women T20 World Cup trophy for the first time, the moment signified more than just a win—it was a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the evolution of women’s cricket.