ICC Women T20 World Cup Final 2024: Everything You Need to Know. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, with South Africa and New Zealand clashing in the final at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This match promises to be a historic encounter as both teams seek their first-ever T20 World Cup title. With both sides displaying exceptional form throughout the tournament, cricket fans are in for an electrifying showdown.
Match Overview
- Who: South Africa vs New Zealand
- When: Sunday, October 20, 6 PM local time (Coin toss on October 21 at 12:30 AM AEST, first ball at 1:00 AM AEST)
- Where: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, United Arab Emirates
- How to watch: Amazon Prime Video
- Live scores: Follow the match live with scores and updates on various platforms.
Teams Preview and Key Players
South Africa enters the final as a well-balanced side, having fielded the same starting XI throughout the tournament. Their consistency, especially at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, gives them an edge. With strong performances from key players like Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, South Africa has built momentum that will be crucial in this high-pressure encounter.
New Zealand, on the other hand, has shown versatility, making tactical changes throughout the tournament based on conditions. Players like Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr have been instrumental in their journey to the final. The White Ferns will look to draw from their past experiences to handle the pressure of a World Cup final.
Possible Starting XI
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Suné Luus, Chloé Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Gaze (wk), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
South Africa Road to the Final
The Proteas Women have had an impressive run throughout the T20 World Cup 2024. Their campaign has been highlighted by key victories at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, making them well-acquainted with the conditions of the venue.
Their semi-final win over tournament favorites Australia was a testament to their resilience and skill. Tazmin Brits, with her consistent performances at the top of the order, and the brilliance of Nonkululeko Mlaba with the ball, have helped South Africa stay ahead of their opposition.
South Africa has won five of their last six T20 internationals, showcasing their form and ability to peak at the right time. A 2-1 T20I series win over Pakistan and a series draw against India further solidified their credentials.
New Zealand Road to the Final
New Zealand’s journey to the 2024 T20 World Cup final has been a rollercoaster ride. The White Ferns started the tournament with a massive victory over India, which sparked their march towards the final. Their wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan ensured their qualification for the semi-finals.
The leadership of Sophie Devine and the experience of Suzie Bates have been crucial in guiding this relatively young side. Amelia Kerr, with her all-round performances, has been the standout player, contributing with both bat and ball.
New Zealand enters the final having won three of their last five matches, including a stunning upset over India. Their ability to adapt to different conditions will be tested in the final, especially against a well-settled South African unit.
Key Players to Watch
- Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa): The South African captain has led from the front, providing stability at the top of the order. Her opening partnership with Tazmin Brits has been instrumental in South Africa’s success, with both players sitting atop the tournament’s run-scoring charts.
- Tazmin Brits (South Africa): Brits has been in exceptional form, scoring 157 runs at an impressive average of 52.33. She will be a key player for South Africa, especially during the powerplay.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa): Mlaba has been outstanding with the ball, picking up 9 wickets at a remarkable average of 9.92. Her economical bowling, particularly during the powerplay, will be crucial in restricting New Zealand’s top-order.
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand): Kerr has been the standout bowler of the tournament, taking 12 wickets and maintaining an economy of 4.6. Her ability to take wickets at crucial moments and keep the run rate down will be pivotal for New Zealand.
- Sophie Devine (New Zealand): The experienced New Zealand skipper has been essential in guiding her team through tough matches. Her leadership and calmness under pressure will be key to handling the intensity of a World Cup final.
Venue Insights
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has been a happy hunting ground for South Africa, with the Proteas winning three of their group matches and the semi-final at this venue. The pitch here typically offers a bit of assistance to spinners, which could play into the hands of both teams.
South Africa’s spin duo of Nonkululeko Mlaba and Suné Luus will look to exploit these conditions, while New Zealand’s spinners, led by Amelia Kerr and Fran Jonas, will be equally dangerous.
The average first-innings total at this venue during the tournament has been around 127, with the highest being 172 by India against Sri Lanka. Both teams have shown they are capable of defending totals, but with the pressure of a final, chasing might be the preferred option.
Stats Breakdown
- Most runs in the tournament: Tazmin Brits (South Africa) – 157 runs at an average of 52.33.
- Most wickets in the tournament: Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa) – 9 wickets at 9.92.
- Best bowling economy in powerplay: South Africa – 4.5 runs per over.
- Best team in powerplay: New Zealand – Averaging 13.5 runs per wicket in the powerplay, the White Ferns have excelled with the ball early in the innings.
Previous Encounters
South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other 16 times in T20Is, with New Zealand winning 11 of those encounters and South Africa claiming victory in 4. Their last series, held in October 2023, was a closely contested affair, with both teams winning one game each after the first three matches were washed out.
In the final game of that series, Tazmin Brits shone with the bat for South Africa, while Amelia Kerr top-scored for New Zealand in a losing cause. This recent history adds extra intrigue to the final, as both teams know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
Tactics and Strategies
South Africa has built a winning formula around their strong top-order batting and disciplined bowling attack. With Marizanne Kapp leading the way in the powerplay, the Proteas will look to stifle New Zealand’s aggressive batting upfront. Sinalo Jafta, behind the stumps, has been sharp and reliable, further adding to South Africa’s all-round strength.
For New Zealand, Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin will be critical in controlling the middle overs. The White Ferns’ strategy revolves around getting early breakthroughs with their pace attack, led by Lea Tahuhu, and then suffocating the opposition with spin. Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine will be tasked with anchoring the innings, while the likes of Maddy Green and Georgia Plimmer provide firepower down the order.
What If It Rains?
The weather forecast for Dubai looks clear, with no rain expected. However, in the unlikely event of rain, there are provisions for a reserve day. A minimum of 10 overs per side is required to constitute a match. If a result cannot be achieved due to weather, joint winners will be declared.
Conclusion
Both teams have worked hard to reach this final, and neither has won a T20 World Cup title before. This match will not only determine the 2024 champions but also cement the legacy of whichever team emerges victorious.
