New Zealand has ended its long semi-final drought by reaching the finals after many years. The ICC is set to crown a new World Champion, as neither New Zealand nor South Africa, in both men’s and women’s cricket, have ever won a T20 World Cup.
The final match of this tournament will be played today in Dubai at 7:30 pm (IST) between New Zealand Women and South Africa Women.
Australia Women vs. South Africa Women – First Semi-Final (October 17)
South African women won the toss and elected to field first. Australia’s Grace Harris and Beth Mooney opened the innings but struggled early.
Ayabonga Khaka made an immediate impact by dismissing Grace Harris in the second over. Georgia Wareham was the next to fall, leaving Beth Mooney and Tahlia McGrath to stabilize the innings. The partnership was short-lived as Tahlia was soon dismissed.
Ellyse Perry provided a crucial knock of 31 runs towards the end, helping Australia reach 134 runs.
In response, South Africa Women’s Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits opened the innings strongly. After Tazmin’s dismissal, Anneke Bosch joined Laura at the crease. Together, they took control of the game, with Anneke scoring a vital half-century that guided South Africa to victory, earning them a spot in the final.
New Zealand Women vs. West Indies Women – Second Semi-Final (October 18)
New Zealand Women won the toss and chose to bat first. Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer opened with a solid partnership, but Karishma Ramharack broke it, dismissing Suzie. New Zealand then struggled as wickets fell at regular intervals, eventually posting a total of 128/9.
In response, Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph opened for West Indies Women. However, New Zealand’s exceptional bowling and fielding restricted them to 120 runs, sealing New Zealand’s place in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup.
The world now awaits the final showdown, with a new champion set to be crowned today.
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine said, “It hasn’t sunk in yet, I’m still trying to get my brain back after being a bit fried out there! I am proud of the character we have had for the last 12-18 months .”
Two teams, one #T20WorldCup trophy 🏆
Who etches their name in the history books? pic.twitter.com/DIlN70KXWc
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 20, 2024