Amelia Kerr shone with both bat and ball as New Zealand claimed their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs at Dubai International Stadium. Kerr top-scored with 43 runs, guiding the White Ferns to an imposing total of 158 for five.
She was supported by Brooke Halliday’s crucial 38 as the duo helped New Zealand achieve the second-highest total in a Women’s T20 World Cup final. Kerr’s all-around performance extended beyond her batting as she later picked up three crucial wickets during South Africa’s chase, cementing New Zealand’s dominance.
New Zealand’s Aggressive Start and Strong Finish
After being asked to bat first, New Zealand displayed intent from the start. Georgia Plimmer struck two boundaries in the opening over, but an early wicket fell with her dismissal. Despite the setback, Kerr and Suzie Bates kept the momentum going, propelling New Zealand to 43 for one by the end of the powerplay.
Kerr and Sophie Devine continued to build, reaching 70 for two at the halfway mark. Kerr’s partnership with Halliday was pivotal, adding 57 runs in seven overs. Halliday’s aggressive knock of 38 off 28 balls ended when she was caught off Chloe Tryon, while Kerr maintained her aggressive approach. The final five overs added 48 runs, thanks to contributions from Kerr and Maddy Green, taking New Zealand to 158.
Some reactions following the NZ-W win
New Zealand players in tears. 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/DeJc6s2bmp
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 20, 2024
– Player of the tournament.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 20, 2024
– Player of the match in final.
– World Cup Champion.
AMELIA KERR – ONE OF THE GREATEST PERFORMANCE EVER 🌟 pic.twitter.com/DebTcrL26k
Congratulations NZ on their first T20 WC win! To think they came to the WC on the back of 10 losses.. A victory of self belief and peaking at the right time. And Amelia Kerr is a superstar! #NZvsSA #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/VrNXfaIRCj
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) October 20, 2024
bowing down to you Amelia kerr 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/ArvyJ9xUZM
— ⚡ (@Visharad_KW22) October 20, 2024
Hold that pose, Amelia Kerr 🤌 pic.twitter.com/0iBYPAwULI
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 20, 2024
Amelia Kerr in the Women's T20 World Cup Final:
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 20, 2024
43(38) with the bat.
4-0-24-3 with the ball.
Champion. pic.twitter.com/AOTTIuQzEa
Amelia Kerr clutching it for New Zealand in the final ♥️ pic.twitter.com/dLyALHUFGT
— Beast (@Beast__07_) October 20, 2024
Amelia Kerr’s Impact in South Africa’s Chase
South Africa’s openers started well, reaching 47 without loss by the end of the powerplay. However, the breakthrough came when Tazmin Brits was dismissed by Fran Jonas. Kerr then took control of the match, removing Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch in a crucial 10th over, and South Africa struggled to recover from there. Kerr, cramping but undeterred, added another wicket to her tally, bringing her tournament total to 15.
Eden Carson and Rosemary Mair provided support, with Mair taking three wickets. South Africa eventually finished at 126 for nine, handing New Zealand a comfortable victory and their first T20 World Cup title. The triumph also marked a perfect send-off for Sophie Devine as New Zealand’s T20 captain.
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