New Zealand wins Maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup
Sport
5 min read
The New Zealand women's cricket team won their first ICC Women's T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa in the final, played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on 20 October 2024. This was the first major title for the New Zealand Women’s team, nicknamed ‘White Ferns ’ since their triumph in the ICC Women's One Day International Cricket World Cup on home soil in 2000.
The 9th ICC Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup was originally allotted to Bangladesh, but due to political instability in the country, it was shifted to the United Arab Emirates. Bangladesh shared the hosting rights with the UAE, and the matches were played in Dubai and Sharjah in the UAE from October 3-20, 2024.
Ten teams: India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, England, West Indies and Scotland participated in the world cup.
Historic win for White Ferns and heartbreak for Proteas
New Zealand was playing its third final in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. It lost to England in the inaugural edition held in 2009 and again to Australia in 2000.
The South African women's cricket team, nicknamed ’Proteas,’ was playing its second consecutive final, having lost to Australia in the 8th edition held in South Africa in 2023.
The Proteas captain, Laura Wolvaardt, won the toss and asked New Zealand to bat first.
The White Ferns scored 158 runs in their allotted 20 overs for the loss of 5 wickets. Veteran all-rounder Amelia Kerr top-scored for New Zealand with 43 runs.
In reply, the Proteas could manage only 126 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Thus, the White Ferns, led by Sophie Devine, won the final match with 32 runs and emerged as champions.
All-rounder Amelia Kerr of New Zealand was declared the Player of the Final as well as the Player of the Tournament for her all-around performance of 135 runs and 15 wickets.
Earlier, New Zealand defeated the West Indies in the semi-final, and South Africa defeated the defending champion, Australia, in the other semi-final.
Harmanpreet Kaur led Indian women’s team failed to qualify for the semi-final.
ICC Women T 20 World Cup
The International Cricket Conference (ICC), the world cricket governing body, organises the Women's T-20 World Cup. An ICC member country hosts the World Cup.
The first Women T 20 World Cup, held in England in 2009, featured eight teams. England won the inaugural World Cup.
Since the 2nd edition, the World Cup has been held every two years,
Since the 4th edition in 2014, 10 teams participate in the World Cup.
Australia is the most successful team, with six title wins.
|
Edition number |
Year |
Host |
Winner |
Runners -UP |
|
1 |
2009 |
England |
England |
New Zealand |
|
2 |
2010 |
West Indies |
Australia |
New Zealand |
|
3 |
2012 |
Sri Lanka |
Australia |
England |
|
4 |
2014 |
Bangladesh |
Australia |
England |
|
5 |
2016 |
India |
West Indies |
Australia |
|
6 |
2018 |
West Indies |
Australia |
England |
|
7 |
2020 |
Australia |
Australia |
India |
|
8 |
2023 |
South Africa |
Australia |
South Africa |
|
9 |
2024 |
Bangladesh and UAE |
New Zealand |
South Africa |
|
10 |
2026 |
England |
- |
- |
