NZ ICC Women T20 World Cup Complete First Inning 158 Runs. In a thrilling clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, South Africa Women faced New Zealand Women in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. With the stakes high in this crucial match, New Zealand Women managed to set a competitive total of 158/5 in their allotted 20 overs. South Africa Women have their work cut out as they chase down the target of 159 to secure a vital win. This match promises to be a key highlight of the tournament, showcasing world-class performances from both sides.
First Inning: New Zealand Sets the Stage
After winning the toss, South Africa Women opted to field first, hoping to restrict New Zealand to a manageable total. The decision, however, proved challenging as New Zealand Women displayed a solid batting performance led by key players. Their innings was a mixture of caution, aggressive stroke play, and strategic partnerships.
New Zealand Women Batting Performance
New Zealand’s opening pair, Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, started with intent. However, South Africa struck early with Nonkululeko Mlaba dismissing Plimmer for just 9 runs off 7 balls. Suzie Bates, a veteran of the game, held one end firmly, accumulating 32 runs off 31 balls, hitting 3 boundaries before falling to Mlaba as well. Bates’ experience in the middle was invaluable, providing a steady start in the powerplay.
Following Bates’ dismissal, Amelia Kerr took charge. Kerr, known for her exceptional cricketing abilities, played a vital knock of 43 from 38 balls, lacing her innings with 4 boundaries. Her partnership with Brooke Halliday, who scored a quickfire 38 off 28 balls, was crucial for New Zealand’s innings. Together, they added 57 runs for the 4th wicket, helping the Kiwis recover from a mid-inning slump and set a challenging total.
Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, couldn’t quite find her rhythm, managing only 6 runs from 10 deliveries before falling victim to Nadine de Klerk. Devine’s early departure was a blow to New Zealand, but their middle-order ensured they didn’t lose momentum. Halliday and Kerr’s combined effort allowed the Kiwis to push the total toward the 150-mark.
In the death overs, Maddy Green provided the final flourish, scoring 12 runs off just 6 balls, including a six that boosted New Zealand’s run rate. By the end of 20 overs, New Zealand had posted a competitive total of 158/5.
Key Batting Contributions
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amelia Kerr | 43 | 38 | 4 | 0 | 113.15 |
| Brooke Halliday | 38 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 135.71 |
| Suzie Bates | 32 | 31 | 3 | 0 | 103.22 |
| Maddy Green | 12* | 6 | 0 | 1 | 200.00 |
South Africa Bowling Performance
The South African bowlers, although facing some pressure, had moments of brilliance throughout the New Zealand innings. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the standout performer for the Proteas, claiming 2 wickets for 31 runs in her 4 overs. Her dismissal of the experienced Suzie Bates was a significant breakthrough.
Chloe Tryon and Ayabonga Khaka also picked up wickets, though Khaka proved to be expensive, conceding 44 runs in her 4 overs. Marizanne Kapp, often known for her economy, had a challenging outing, finishing wicketless for 25 runs from her 4 overs.
Bowling Figures
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marizanne Kapp | 4 | 0 | 25 | 0 | 6.25 |
| Ayabonga Khaka | 4 | 0 | 44 | 1 | 11.00 |
| Chloe Tryon | 4 | 0 | 22 | 1 | 5.50 |
| Nonkululeko Mlaba | 4 | 0 | 31 | 2 | 7.75 |
| Nadine de Klerk | 2 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 8.50 |
| Sune Luus | 2 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 8.50 |
South Africa’s bowling effort kept them in contention, but the extras conceded—10 wides and 3 no-balls—proved costly in the context of the match. As a result, New Zealand was able to capitalize and post a substantial score.
South Africa Chase Begins
With a target of 159, South Africa Women began their chase cautiously. Laura Wolvaardt, leading from the front, opened the innings alongside Tazmin Brits. Wolvaardt, who has been in sensational form throughout the tournament, remained not out on 1 run from 2 balls at the time of writing, while Brits had yet to face a delivery.
South Africa will need to maintain a healthy run rate to stay in the contest. With the required run rate currently at 8.03, the Proteas have a steep climb ahead. However, with power hitters like Chloe Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, and Sune Luus yet to bat, South Africa remains hopeful of a strong chase.
Current Batting Status
| Batter | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laura Wolvaardt | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 50.00 |
| Tazmin Brits | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
New Zealand Bowling Response
New Zealand, with 158 runs on the board, started their defense with Rosemary Mair taking the new ball. Mair bowled the first two deliveries, conceding only 1 run. New Zealand’s bowling lineup, featuring experienced players like Lea Tahuhu and Eden Carson, will be key in maintaining pressure on South Africa as they progress through their innings.
Key Moments of the Match
- Amelia Kerr’s partnership with Brooke Halliday: Their 50-run stand off 37 balls was the turning point for New Zealand, allowing them to set a defendable total.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba’s brilliant bowling: Dismissing both Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, Mlaba gave South Africa a fighting chance by keeping New Zealand from running away with the game.
- New Zealand’s death over acceleration: Thanks to Maddy Green’s quickfire cameo, New Zealand added 58 runs in the last 5 overs, pushing their total beyond 150.
Match Prediction and Outlook
As the game progresses, New Zealand Women currently hold a 73.48% win probability, with South Africa Women at 26.52%, according to the live forecaster. With South Africa needing 158 runs in 118 balls, the chase is well within their grasp if they can build solid partnerships and rotate the strike efficiently. However, New Zealand’s formidable bowling unit will look to tighten the screws and make scoring difficult in the middle overs.
Expert Analysis
For South Africa Women to chase down 159, their top order will need to bat with intent, especially in the powerplay overs where the fielding restrictions allow for easier boundary scoring. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits should aim to score at least 40-50 runs within the first 6 overs, keeping the required run rate under control. If they can maintain wickets and pace their innings well, the likes of Marizanne Kapp and Chloe Tryon can accelerate later in the innings.
On the other hand, New Zealand’s bowlers will need to stick to tight lines and lengths, forcing the South African batters to take risks. Their fielding, which has been exemplary throughout the tournament, will be crucial in converting half-chances into wickets.
Conclusion
This encounter between South Africa Women and New Zealand Women is shaping up to be a classic. With New Zealand having posted a challenging total of 158/5, the onus is now on South Africa’s batters to step up and chase down the target. The outcome will depend on how well the South African top order navigates the opening overs and whether they can handle the pressure exerted by New Zealand’s bowlers.
