New Zealand posted 158 for five in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final held in Dubai, setting South Africa a target of 159 to claim the title. After winning the toss, South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt chose to bowl first, putting New Zealand to bat.
New Zealand’s innings started with veteran Suzie Bates and Georgia Pimmer opening. Bates, 37, contributed 32 runs off 31 balls, hitting three boundaries before being bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba in the seventh over. Pimmer had a short stay, scoring nine off seven deliveries, and was dismissed in the second over after a catch by Sune Luus off Ayabonga Khaka’s delivery.
Captain Sophie Devine was removed for just six runs off 10 balls, falling lbw to Nadine de Klerk in the 10th over, leaving New Zealand at 57 for three.
Brooke Halliday then played a key role in stabilizing the innings, scoring 38 off 28 balls with three boundaries. Halliday helped push New Zealand past the 100-run mark in the 14th over before being caught by Anneke Bosch off Chloe Tryon’s bowling in the 17th over.
Amelia Kerr top-scored with 43 off 40 balls, including four boundaries, before being caught by Tazmin Brits off Mlaba’s bowling in the 19th over. The innings closed with Maddy Green (12*) and Isabella Gaze (3*) remaining unbeaten.
South Africa’s bowlers delivered a solid performance, with Nonkululeko Mlaba leading the attack by claiming two wickets. Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk each took one wicket, restricting New Zealand to 158 runs.
South Africa now faces a 159-run target in the 20-over finale to secure their first Women’s T20 World Cup title.
