SA VS NZ ICC Women T20 World Cup Today Match Prediction. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set for a thrilling conclusion as South Africa Women (SA-W) take on New Zealand Women (NZ-W) in the final on Sunday, October 20, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This match promises to be an exhilarating encounter, as neither team has ever claimed the World Cup trophy in men’s or women’s cricket, making this a historic occasion for whichever side comes out victorious.
Both teams have demonstrated exceptional form throughout the tournament, and the final will be a fitting end to what has been a memorable edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup. In this article, we delve into the match preview, key players, Dream11 predictions, and analysis of the highly anticipated final.
SA-W vs NZ-W: Match Details
- Match: South Africa Women (SA-W) vs New Zealand Women (NZ-W), Final, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
- Date: October 20, 2024 (Sunday)
- Time: 7:30 PM IST / 02:00 PM GMT / 06:00 PM LOCAL
- Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai
Path to the Final
South Africa Women (SA-W)
South Africa have been on a roll in this tournament, and their confidence was never higher than after their stunning win over Australia Women in the semifinals. The Proteas chased down Australia’s total of 134 with ease, securing an 8-wicket win thanks to the brilliance of Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch. This victory marks South Africa’s second consecutive appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup final, after they finished as runners-up in the previous edition.
Led by Wolvaardt, South Africa have shown excellent balance between bat and ball. They’ve lost only once in their last six matches and are enjoying a rich vein of form as they head into the final showdown against New Zealand.
New Zealand Women (NZ-W)
New Zealand’s journey to the final has been equally impressive. Sophie Devine and her team secured their place in the final by defeating West Indies Women in a tight semifinal encounter. The Kiwis won by 8 runs, with Eden Carson playing a pivotal role in defending their modest total of 128. New Zealand’s bowling attack has been their key strength throughout the tournament, and they will look to capitalize on this in the final against a strong South African lineup.
This is New Zealand’s third appearance in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, and they will be eager to break their title drought after finishing as runners-up in the first two editions.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between South Africa and New Zealand in T20 internationals leans in favor of New Zealand, who have won 11 of the 19 encounters, while South Africa have won 4 matches. Four matches were washed out. Despite this, South Africa’s recent form, particularly their commanding victory over Australia, gives them a psychological edge.
- Head-to-Head Record: SA-W (4) – NZ-W (11)
- Most Recent Meeting: October 15, 2023 (New Zealand won by 6 wickets)
Key Players to Watch
South Africa Women (SA-W)
- Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) – South Africa’s captain and opener has been in fine form throughout the tournament. Wolvaardt scored a crucial 42 runs in the semifinal against Australia, guiding her team to victory. She has been a consistent performer and is also the highest run-scorer for South Africa in the tournament with 190 runs.
- Anneke Bosch – Bosch was the star of the semifinal, playing a match-winning knock of 74 off 48 balls. Her partnership with Wolvaardt helped South Africa chase down Australia’s total with ease. Bosch will be a key player for South Africa in the final as well.
- Marizanne Kapp – Kapp has been South Africa’s talisman with both bat and ball. In the semifinal, she picked up 1 wicket for 24 runs and is expected to deliver again with both bat and ball in the final.
- Nonkululeko Mlaba – The left-arm spinner has been outstanding throughout the tournament, picking up 10 wickets. She will be crucial in restricting New Zealand’s strong batting lineup.
New Zealand Women (NZ-W)
- Amelia Kerr – Kerr is arguably New Zealand’s most valuable player. With 12 wickets in the tournament, she has been sensational with the ball, while also contributing useful runs in the middle order. Kerr is a top contender for the Player of the Tournament award.
- Sophie Devine (Captain) – The experienced all-rounder and captain will be hoping to lead from the front in the final. Devine has not been in her best form with the bat, but her leadership and bowling will be critical in New Zealand’s quest for their first T20 World Cup title.
- Suzie Bates – New Zealand’s most experienced batter, Bates, is known for her ability to deliver in high-pressure games. She scored 26 runs in the semifinal and will be key at the top of the order.
- Eden Carson – Carson’s spell of 3/29 in the semifinal against West Indies was a game-changer. The off-spinner will look to replicate her performance in the final against a strong South African lineup.
Weather and Pitch Report
The weather forecast for the final is clear, with temperatures hovering around 30°C. The humidity will be high, making conditions challenging for the players.
The Dubai International Cricket Stadium pitch is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. Early movement for pacers is likely, but as the game progresses, the pitch is expected to flatten out, making it easier for batters. Spinners will play a key role, especially in the middle overs, as the pitch tends to offer some grip for slower bowlers.
Dream11 Fantasy Tips
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, here are some top picks for the Dream11 team:
Wicketkeeper: Maddy Green
Batters: Suzie Bates, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch
All-rounders: Amelia Kerr, Marizanne Kapp
Bowlers: Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson
Captain Choice: Marizanne Kapp
Vice-Captain Choice: Amelia Kerr
Match Prediction: Who Will Win?
While New Zealand have the edge in the head-to-head record, South Africa‘s recent form and their stunning victory over Australia in the semifinal make them slight favorites heading into this final. The Proteas’ top-order batters, especially Wolvaardt and Bosch, are in good form, and their bowling attack has been consistent throughout the tournament.
Conclusion
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final between South Africa Women (SA-W) and New Zealand Women (NZ-W) promises to be a thrilling contest with both teams eager to claim their first-ever T20 World Cup title. South Africa, fresh off a remarkable win over defending champions Australia, will enter the final brimming with confidence, while New Zealand will rely on their formidable bowling attack to make an impact.
