SA VS NZ ICC Women T20 World Cup Today Match Live Streamline. The stage is set for an epic encounter as South Africa Women and New Zealand Women lock horns in the highly anticipated final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024. Both teams have their sights on winning their first-ever T20 World Cup title, making this final a historic occasion for both nations. The match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 20, 2024, and is expected to be a thrilling contest between two well-balanced teams that have fought their way through the tournament to earn a spot in the final.
A Journey to the Final
South Africa’s journey to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. The Proteas Women, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, have won four out of their five games in this tournament, displaying both their resilience and prowess. South Africa’s run in the tournament included some notable victories, but none bigger than their stunning semifinal win over three-time defending champions Australia, which saw them win by eight wickets. This was a historic moment for South Africa, as it marked the first time Australia had been knocked out of an ICC tournament since the 2017 ODI World Cup.
The Proteas kicked off their tournament with a commanding 10-wicket win over the West Indies in their opening Group B encounter. However, they faced a setback in their next game, losing to England by seven wickets. But the South African team bounced back in style, defeating Scotland by 80 runs and Bangladesh by seven wickets to secure a place in the semifinals.
Their performance in the semifinal against Australia was one of the finest displays of cricket in this tournament. The bowling attack, led by Ayabonga Khaka and Nonkululeko Mlaba, was clinical in restricting Australia to 134/5 in 20 overs. In reply, South Africa’s batters, particularly Anneke Bosch and Laura Wolvaardt, made light work of the chase, with Bosch scoring an unbeaten 74 runs off 48 balls. Wolvaardt added 42 runs to help her team cross the finish line in just 17.2 overs.
New Zealand Road to the Final
New Zealand Women, led by the experienced Sophie Devine, also had a tough but successful path to the final. The White Ferns came into the tournament with a 10-match losing streak in T20Is but turned things around with an impressive campaign. They won four of their five group-stage matches, showing resilience after a crushing defeat to Australia.
Their campaign began with a solid 58-run victory over India in their opening Group A match. However, they were dealt a blow in their second match, losing to Australia by 60 runs. But much like South Africa, New Zealand fought back, securing crucial victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan to qualify for the semifinals.
In the semifinal, New Zealand faced the West Indies in a tense encounter. Batting first, they posted 128/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to vital contributions from Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates. Defending a modest total, New Zealand’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Eden Carson and Amelia Kerr, held their nerve to restrict the West Indies to 120/8, winning the match by just eight runs.
This will be New Zealand’s first appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final in 14 years, having last reached the summit clash in 2010. Despite falling short in the past, the White Ferns have looked like a rejuvenated side under Devine’s leadership and will be eager to lift the trophy for the first time in their history.
Key Players to Watch
As the final approaches, all eyes will be on some of the standout performers from both teams. South Africa Women have been heavily reliant on their captain, Laura Wolvaardt, who has been in sublime form throughout the tournament. Wolvaardt is currently the tournament’s leading run-scorer, having played a pivotal role in South Africa’s success with the bat.
Complementing Wolvaardt at the top of the order is Tazmin Brits, who is the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. Brits has provided crucial starts for South Africa, and her aggressive approach will be key in the final. In the bowling department, Nonkululeko Mlaba has been South Africa’s standout performer, sitting second in the tournament’s wicket-taking charts. Her ability to take wickets at crucial junctures has been instrumental in South Africa’s success, and she will be a vital asset in the final.
For New Zealand, captain Sophie Devine will be the player to watch. A seasoned campaigner, Devine has the ability to change the course of a match with both bat and ball. However, New Zealand’s strength in this tournament has been their bowling, led by the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, Amelia Kerr. Kerr has been exceptional with her leg-spin, and her duel with the South African batters could be one of the defining contests of the final.
New Zealand’s batting lineup also features the likes of Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer, both of whom have contributed significantly in the tournament. Bates, in particular, brings a wealth of experience to the side, having been part of New Zealand’s journey in the earlier editions of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Head-to-Head Record: New Zealand Hold the Edge
When it comes to head-to-head encounters between South Africa Women and New Zealand Women in T20Is, the scales are tipped slightly in favor of the White Ferns. Out of the 16 T20Is played between the two sides, New Zealand has emerged victorious in 11 matches, while South Africa has only managed four wins, with one match ending in no result.
However, history has little bearing in a World Cup final, and South Africa will be confident of reversing this trend after their impressive performances in this tournament.
The Stakes Are High: A New Champion Awaits
With neither South Africa nor New Zealand having won an ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title before, the stakes could not be higher. Both teams have come close in the past but have fallen short at the final hurdle. For South Africa, this will be their second successive appearance in the final after losing to Australia in 2023. They will be eager to make amends and bring home their first-ever ICC trophy.
For New Zealand, this final represents an opportunity to break a 14-year drought and lift their maiden T20 World Cup title. Having been runners-up in the 2009 and 2010 editions, the White Ferns will be determined to go one step further this time around.
Where to Watch: Live Streaming and Broadcast Information
Fans in India can catch the live action of the SA-W vs NZ-W Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final on the Star Sports Network, with the match being live-streamed on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. The match is set to begin at 7:30 PM IST on October 20, 2024.
For fans in South Africa, the match will be broadcast on SuperSport, while those in New Zealand can catch the action on Sky Sport. Cricket enthusiasts around the world can also follow the game through various online streaming platforms, ensuring no one misses out on this historic encounter.
Conclusion
The SA-W vs NZ-W Women’s T20 World Cup Final promises to be a thrilling contest between two teams that have shown tremendous grit and determination throughout the tournament. With both sides vying for their first-ever T20 World Cup title, expect fireworks at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Will it be South Africa’s turn to lift the coveted trophy, or will New Zealand finally break their World Cup jinx? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—cricket fans are in for a treat!
