The Women’s T20 World Cup concludes in Dubai on today, and a new name will be added to the trophy. As New Zealand and South Africa prepare for the final, the two sides will compete for the opportunity to etch their names into cricket history, shattering Australia’s long-standing domination, Cape {town} Etc reports.
Also read: Western Cape thrives at Best of Wine Tourism Awards
Australia has won six of the past eight titles, with just England in 2009 and the West Indies in 2016 challenging their dominance. However, this year’s final offers a new champion, a fitting conclusion to a championship full of exhilarating cricket and unexpected surprises. Originally slated to take place in Bangladesh, political instability forced its relocation to the UAE. Despite the short notice, the competition provided unforgettable moments, demonstrating the growing power of women’s cricket.
Today’s final will feature the tournament’s two most tactically smart and brave teams. Both New Zealand and South Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience, making critical plays when necessary. Despite their weaknesses, New Zealand advanced to the final by defeating a difficult West Indies team in the semi-finals, despite missing critical opportunities. Defending a modest 128-9, they used excellent bowling to contain a West Indian team that had previously dominated England in a key group-stage game.
New Zealand’s outstanding players include Amelia Kerr, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets, and Eden Carson, whose efforts with Kerr have instilled confidence in captain Sophie Devine. Devine is confident about the approaching final, based on her experience in 2010, when New Zealand barely lost to Australia.
‘We are really excited about the final. We have nothing to lose, and that is a great space to be,’ Devine said. ‘We are going to win this thing now.’
However, New Zealand is mindful of the challenges ahead. South Africa, who lost to Australia in the final last year, has been in top form throughout the tournament. The Proteas, led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt, all-rounder Marizanne Kapp, and No. 3 batter Anneke Bosch, have been dominant, with Bosch’s unbeaten 74 leading to a decisive semi-final victory over Australia.
‘Laura leads them from the front,’ Devine acknowledged. ‘Kapp is one of the best players in the world, and Bosch was superb against Australia. But we have to focus on ourselves and hope the cricketing gods are on our side.’
South Africa’s progress over the last year has been clear, with a well-balanced lineup led by Nonkululeko Mlaba’s 10 wickets, making her the tournament’s joint second-highest wicket-taker. The Proteas’ bowling corps, led by Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, has proven devastating in support of their formidable batting lineup.
Bosch, reflecting on South Africa’s journey, expressed pride in her team’s achievements: ‘I’m just incredibly proud of everyone and the way we’ve played throughout. We feel we haven’t played our best game yet, but hopefully, we’re saving that for the final.’
With both teams hungry for victory and confident in their talents, today’s final is shaping up to be an exciting match. Whether it is New Zealand’s well-drilled bowling attack or South Africa’s powerful batting squad, one thing is certain: women’s cricket is about to find a new champion.
Also read:
SA wins semi-final Women’s T20 World Cup match against Australia
Picture: Pankaj Nangia/Gallo Images