Headline: Kerr, Halliday Propel New Zealand to Historic T20 World Cup Win After Ending Losing Streak
For New Zealand, it was not just the win that made the day memorable; the men's team also achieved a landmark Test victory against India in India, their first in 36 years. As the nation’s four million citizens started their workweek, the women’s cricket team, led by veterans Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, celebrated their dream moment after securing the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy – an achievement that had eluded them 14 years earlier in 2010.
New Zealand's women’s cricket team etched their names in history with a thrilling win in the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, securing their first title. This victory came as a surprise, given New Zealand entered the tournament off the back of a 10-game losing streak in T20 Internationals (T20Is), the longest such streak any team has ever overcome to win a World Cup.
The dramatic final, held on October 20, saw New Zealand score 158 for 5, thanks to notable performances from Amelia Kerr (43), Brooke Halliday (38), and Suzie Bates (32). In response, South Africa fell short at 126 for 9, with Kerr taking three wickets alongside Jess Mair’s 3-25, as New Zealand sealed a 32-run victory.
For New Zealand, it was not just the win that made the day memorable; the men's team also achieved a landmark Test victory against India in India, their first in 36 years. As the nation’s four million citizens started their workweek, the women’s cricket team, led by veterans Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, celebrated their dream moment after securing the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy – an achievement that had eluded them 14 years earlier in 2010.
New Zealand's Resilience Shines Through
The match began with New Zealand losing early wickets, including opener Georgia Plimmer in just the second over. Suzie Bates, however, took the reins, displaying aggression from the start. Known as one of the pillars of New Zealand cricket, Bates had a modest strike rate of 90.77 leading into the final. However, in this match, she started with a commanding shot over midwicket on her second ball, setting the tone for her innings.
Bates accumulated 17 runs off 13 balls before the South African spinners, led by Nonkululeko Mlaba, tightened their grip, slowing down the scoring. Bates soon found herself under pressure and was dismissed for 32 in the eighth over, attempting a ramp shot but falling to Mlaba.
The dismissals of Bates and Devine created a tense atmosphere as New Zealand’s middle order faced increasing pressure. The team went through a tough phase, enduring 48 deliveries without a boundary. Kerr struggled to find her rhythm, but her gritty 38-ball 43 kept New Zealand in the game.
Halliday’s Breakthrough Moment
Brooke Halliday, playing her best-ever T20I innings, was instrumental in breaking New Zealand out of their scoring drought. Entering at a critical juncture, Halliday used creative shot-making, particularly her effective slog sweep in the 14th over off Sune Luus, to inject momentum into the innings. Her boundary was followed by another in the same over, allowing New Zealand to climb out of their slump.
Halliday’s innovative and confident play was vital. She kept the scoreboard ticking by exploiting the leg side, finding gaps, and partnering with Kerr to raise a crucial 50-run stand in just 37 balls. Halliday’s knock of 38 off 28 balls was a career-best, coming at a time when her team needed her most.
With Halliday’s support, Kerr found her range late in her innings, and Maddy Green added a cameo, as New Zealand gathered 48 runs from the last five overs to reach a competitive total of 158.
South Africa’s Struggle in Response
South Africa started their chase well. They kept pace with the asking rate early on, as Laura Wolvaardt led the charge with her signature powerful strokes. Alongside Tazmin Brits, Wolvaardt kept the score ticking, and by the end of the powerplay, South Africa had reached 47 without losing a wicket. It was the first time in the tournament New Zealand had failed to pick up an early breakthrough.
Wolvaardt, who had been pivotal for South Africa in previous matches, looked in command, using her strong forearms to pick lengths early and strike boundaries. South Africa seemed to be on course at 47 for no loss, but New Zealand struck back through left-arm spinner Fran Jonas, who dismissed Brits in the seventh over.
A Collapse After Wolvaardt’s Exit
The defining moment came when Wolvaardt, attempting to clear the infield, was caught by Bates at extra cover off the bowling of Kerr. Wolvaardt’s departure triggered a collapse. Kerr followed up by removing Anneke Bosch, South Africa’s hero from their semi-final against Australia, who was out after gloving a sweep to wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze. A successful review confirmed the edge, leaving South Africa reeling.
New Zealand kept up the pressure, with Eden Carson dealing the final blow to South Africa’s hopes by dismissing Marizanne Kapp, their all-rounder and key player. Kapp’s mistimed shot off Carson ended in a simple catch, and her walk back to the pavilion mirrored the sinking feeling of South African supporters. Kerr, battling through cramps, took her third wicket to end South Africa’s chances of a late comeback.
A Historic Victory for New Zealand
New Zealand’s victory was not just a testament to the experience of players like Bates and Devine but also to the new generation, with Kerr and Halliday stepping up at crucial moments. For Kerr, who dedicated the win to the "golden oldies," her all-around performance (43 runs and 3 wickets) was instrumental in New Zealand's triumph.
The final moments were a contrast of emotions: jubilation for New Zealand as they clinched the title, and despair for South Africa, whose World Cup dreams ended in another heartbreak. On a day when history was made, New Zealand’s women’s cricket team finally got their hands on the trophy that had slipped away over a decade ago.
This historic win not only ended a losing streak but also underscored New Zealand's resilience and skill on the world stage.
