New Zealand’s women cricketers won the biennial 20-over world title for the first time at the ninth attempt, having been the losing finalists in the first two tournaments (2009, 2010). This feat and the White Ferns’ victory in the 50-over World Cup in 2000 are the greatest achievements by New Zealand’s women cricketers.
Victory was all the sweeter because big-hitting batters Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, who was captaining the White Ferns for the last time, had played in the 2009 and 2010 tournaments. Bates’ appearance in the final made her the most capped women’s international cricketer across all formats.
Under lights in steamy Dubai, the White Ferns beat South Africa’s Proteas, who were playing in their second consecutive T20 World Cup final, by 32 runs. Sent in to bat by Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt, the White Ferns batted aggressively to amass a healthy 158/5, Amelia Kerr top-scoring with 43 from 38 balls. Veteran opener Bates contributed 32 from 31, while Brooke Halliday blasted 38 from 28 later in the innings.
No team had chased down that many runs to win a Women’s T20 World Cup final. Wolvaardt (33 from 27 balls) and Tazmin Brits put on an opening partnership of 51 inside seven overs, but once they were dismissed the South Africans fell steadily behind the asking rate. Opening bowler Rosemary Mair (3 for 25) and leg-spinner Kerr (3 for 24 despite suffering from cramp) shared the bowling honours for the White Ferns. Kerr was named player of the final and the tournament.