New Zealand produced a clinical performance and went on to beat South Africa by 32 runs and win their maiden Women’s T20 World Cup title here on Sunday.
It turned out to be a historic day for New Zealand cricket as the White Ferns got their hands on the ICC trophy hours after the men recorded their first Test win in India after 36 years.
South Africa, playing their second successive final, sent New Zealand in to bat and the Sophie Devine-led side thrived under pressure to post an above par total of 158/5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Amelia Kerr played a crucial knock of 43 while Brooke Halliday made an impactful 38 to push New Zealand beyond 150- run mark.
South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt (33) took her team to 47/0 in the powerplay before New Zealand bowlers were able to stifle the opposition.
There was no coming back from South Africa after they lost their gutsy leader Wolvaardt in the 10th over as the Proteas could not keep up with the scoring rate and ended at 126/9 in 20 overs. Kerr starred with her leg-spin as well, ending with brilliant bowling figures of 3/24 in 4 overs.
It was a remarkable change of fortunes for New Zealand, who had come into the tournament with the baggage of 10 losses in a row. They were the best bowling unit in the competition by a fair distance and on Sunday, improved their batting by a few notches.
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