New Zealand outplayed South Africa in the all-important Women's T20 World Cup final in Dubai.
New Zealand clinched their maiden Women's T20 World Cup title with a comprehensive 32-run victory over South Africa in the final in Dubai on Sunday (October 20).
The match began with South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt winning the toss and opting to field. The White Ferns got a strong start thanks to skipper Suzie Bates’ 31-ball 32 at the top.
Later, Amelia Kerr (43 of 38) and Brooke Halliday (38 off 28) built a crucial partnership, which was key in taking New Zealand to 158/5 in 20 overs.
Chasing 159 to win, South Africa were restricted to 126/9 in 20 overs, despite a knock of 27-ball 33 by captain Wolvaardt.
Amelia Kerr (3-24) and Rosemary Mair (3-25) starred with the ball for New Zealand, claiming three wickets each.
This triumph marked a sweet finish to Sophie Devine's captaincy tenure. For South Africa, it made for a double disappointment having lost last year's final to Australia in Cape Town.
Cricket fraternity lauded and congratulated the New Zealand women’s cricket team for their stellar display to win the coveted title.
Here are the reactions: