New Zealand clinch maiden women’s T20 World Cup title

New Zealand made history on Sunday (20th October) by securing their first Women's T20 World Cup title. They triumphed over South Africa by 32 runs at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

This was the Kiwis' third-ever final of the showpiece event and after two successful attempts, they finally have their hand on the coveted trophy. Brooke Halliday (38), Amelia Kerr (43), and Suzie Bates (32) played important knocks to guide the team to a 158-run score.

In reply, the Proteas could manage 129 runs with the loss of 9 wickets. Kerr also contributed with the ball, by picking up a 3-fer. This was South Africa's second successive final in the T20 World Cup and once again they had to go home empty-handed.

Apart for Kerr, Rosemary Mair also hogged limelight with figures of 4-25-3. The only silver-lining in the South Africa batting was Laura Wolvaardt as she emerged as the highest run-getter with 33 runs. Other than her, no one really got going as they failed to cope up with the onslaught from the New Zealand bowlers.

The 24-year-old Amelia Kerr, who finished as the tournament's top wicket-taker with 12 wickets, was named Player of the Match for her outstanding all-round performance.