There will be a big difference in the Women’s T20 World Cup final, as for the first time ever, neither Australia nor England will be participating.
The prediction before the ball was even thrown was that Australia would still be standing at this point, preparing for their eighth consecutive final with a shot at their fourth consecutive title.
Many people would have expected England to be their opponent. Some would have gone to India. But the big three were ousted.
There is no seventh trophy for Australia, second for England, first for India. The remaining two teams are South Africa and New Zealand, setting up a final that no one expected and a new winner of the tournament is guaranteed.
Women’s T20 World Cup Winners
2009: England 2010: Australia 2012: Australia 2014: Australia 2016: West Indies 2018: Australia 2020: Australia 2023: Australia
South Africa’s appearance in Sunday’s showpiece shouldn’t come as much of a shock. South Africa were runners-up to Australia in 2023 and earlier this year they beat Southern Stars for the first time in a T20 international, but New Zealand here? Well, that’s really surprising.
New Zealand kept faith even after tough timesThe White Ferns, who were runners-up in 2009 and 2010, had lost 10 consecutive T20 teams before this World Cup (although those losses were against powerhouse teams in Australia and England). Of the previous 19 games, 16 were after the World Cup. They also lost to South Africa, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
While those outside the camp may have disappointed New Zealand’s hopes of performing well in the UAE, captain Sophie Devine said belief within the group never wavered.
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Highlights of New Zealand’s nail-biting victory over West Indies in the second semi-final in Sharjah on Friday
Devine said after Friday’s semi-final victory over West Indies by eight runs in the final over. “As a leader, what I’m most proud of is the temperament we’ve had, not just in this tournament, but over the past 12 years. 18 months.
“Even though the result didn’t go our way, we always had the belief and knowledge of what we could do. Now we’re really excited for the last game.”
“We have nothing to lose. It’s a great place to be. We’re going to win this thing now.”
NZ’s Carson plays an active role in the power play
It was the highly experienced Susie Bates who scored the winning goal for New Zealand in the final match against West Indies. The Caribbean team needed 15 points to win, but only managed to score six. Young spinner Eden Carson played an active role with the ball up front.
Image: Carson takes 6 wickets in power play this tournament
Carson has picked up six wickets in the powerplay this tournament, including two in the match against West Indies when they chased 129 from the batsmen’s side, removing Kuiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbell. Carson then bowled Stafanie Taylor in the ninth over to further help the Kiwis.
She was also instrumental in the crucial group stage win against India, dismissing Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma within five overs.
South African openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Blitz scored 360 runs in the tournament, splitting two stands of 50+ and leading the way with 119 off 107 balls against West Indies. Her knack for hitting quickly could be the key to the finals.
Amelia Kerr is also a game changer for New Zealand. She was the top wicket-taker in the tournament, taking 12 with leg-spin and bowling 18.4 runs at just 4.60 runs over. What matters is that she influences the important moments.
Image: New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr leads the league with 12 wicket-takers
In the semi-final, Kerr dismissed Deandra Dottin after the West Indian had put up three 36s in the previous over, reducing the ask from 24 balls to 34 balls. This is a great example.
South Africa’s strong team coached by Wolvaardt
Kerr may need to produce something special again in Dubai, as South Africa are likely favorites to win this match after brutally dispatching six-time champions Australia in the semi-finals. He is racing towards the target of 135 with 16 deliveries left.
Skipper Wolvaardt chipped in with 42, but the only time she missed the 40 mark was in the seven loss against Bangladesh – while Anneke Bosch timidly missed a few innings. After an innings, he finally lived up to his name by scoring an unbeaten 74 runs off 48 balls. .
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Watch Anneke Bosch’s best shot of 74 off 48 balls as she helped South Africa beat Australia and reach the T20 World Cup final.
Proteas spinner Nonkhululeko Mlaba picked up 10 wickets and if New Zealand have a power play star in Carson, South Africa also has a Marizanne Cup. Each of Cup’s five wickets came within the first six overs, giving him an overall economy rate of just 4.19.
No matter who wins on Sunday, this T20 World Cup proved that women’s cricket is no longer just about the big three. New Zealand routed India. The West Indies passed England by. South Africa raided Australia.
All that remains is whether South Africa or New Zealand will win this tournament for the first time.
Someone is making history.
Watch the Women’s T20 World Cup final between South Africa and New Zealand in Dubai live on Sky Sports Cricket from 2.30pm (3pm first ball) on Sunday or stream the match on NOW .
