The big picture: Looking back at history
Some photos cannot be conveyed in words.
Like Siya Kolisi, who looked skyward and roared into the Paris skies before lifting last year’s Rugby World Cup.
Like Grant Elliott, the South African who reached out to a struggling Dale Steyn after scoring six winners to help New Zealand reach the final of the 2015 ODI World Cup.
Like Katy Perry, who joined Meg Lanning’s victorious Australian team on the victory podium in front of a record 86,174 fans at the 2020 MCG.
Or, more recently, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, standing side by side like comrades-in-arms, carrying the Indian flag, medals and World Cup trophy, and set off into the sunset.
On Sunday, South Africa and New Zealand will go head-to-head to win the right to add to the sport’s iconic images and moments. In the case of Sophie Devine and Susie Bates, this can take years or even decades of effort. Marisanne Kapp.
New Zealand have a chance at glory for the first time in 14 years and South Africa have their second chance in two years, beating a heart-wrenching Australia on a sparkling Cape Town afternoon last February.
Their journeys to the World Cup finals are somewhat similar. Full of stunning victories that will warm your heart. And with transition looming, a loss that called into question a pathway structure that has failed to accurately replicate the benchmarks set by Australia and England. That’s why their participation in the summit brings hope for the growth of women’s competition and the sport.
Dubai is very important for both teams. South Africa won their only silver medal, senior or junior, at the 2014 World Cup, captained by Aiden Markram. For New Zealand, this was the epicenter of heartbreak in the most recent final of the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup.
Regardless of what happens in Sunday’s grand finale, there will be a new winner for the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Can New Zealand do it for veteran guards Susie Bates, Sophie Devine and Leah Tahufu?•ICC/Getty Images
form guide
New Zealand WWWWW (Last 5 T20Is, newest first)
South Africa WWWWW
In the spotlight: Sophie Devine and Anneke Bosch
14 years ago in Barbados, Ellyse Perry’s boot intercepted an absolute rocket from Sophie Devine to stop a boundary that could have sent the T20 World Cup final into a super over. A generation has come and gone, but Divine is determined to fight through the ups and downs. On Sunday, she will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to end her captaincy career on a high note. Anneke Bosch’s batting up until the semi-finals had been harshly criticized from all quarters, as her batting was worse than a run-a-ball. Team management was aware of this, but continued to support her, believing that a major crisis was at hand. On Thursday, Bosch hit hard and led Australia to a crushing defeat. Her unbeaten score was 74, a knock full of aggressiveness and innovation. After a long performance, she will be hoping for another sensational innings.
Team News: Not many changes expected
There are few signs that the members of either team will change significantly from the semi-finals. South Africa remained unchanged throughout the tournament.
New Zealand (probably): 1 Georgia Primmer, 2 Susie Bates, 3 Amelia Kerr, 4 Sophie Devine (captain), 5 Brooke Halliday, 6 Maddy Green, 7 Isabella Gaze (week), 8 Rosemary Gaze. Mare, 9 Lee Tahufu, 10 Eden Carson, 11 Fran Jonas
South Africa (estimated): 1 Laura Wolvaardt (captain), 2 Tazmin Blitz, 3 Anneke Bosch, 4 Chloe Tryon, 5 Marisanne Kapp, 6 Seun Roos, 6 Annelie Derksen, 8 Nadine de Klerk, 9 Sinao Jafta (week), 10 Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Kaka 11
Anneke Bosch was groundbreaking with an unbeaten 74 in the semi-finals•ICC/Getty Images
Pitch and Conditions: Spin to Win
The build-up to the last two major ICC finals has been dominated by chatter around the pitch and conditions. At last year’s 50-over World Cup in Ahmedabad, it was not known which surface would be used until the day before the final. In June this year, it rained all day in Barbados and the threat of a hurricane loomed, which ultimately delayed India’s departure. There’s less drama this time.
The pitch in Dubai was changing and slowing the pace was a strategy the captain often stuck to. Pakistan used this brilliantly against New Zealand. India realized the dangers of playing three-seamer when they conceded 160 runs in the first match against New Zealand.
The lack of dew is also a reason why spin is effective. Dew reduced the toss to a draw at the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, but this time the impact was minimal. Although temperatures have dropped significantly over the past two weeks, the days remain hot and humid, especially in the evenings, which will still test the athletes’ stamina.
statistics and trivia
Bates is expected to surpass Mithali Raj’s 333 matches to become the player with the most appearances in women’s international matches. Wolvaardt overtook Dane van Niekerk to become South Africa’s top scorer in the T20 World Cup. New Zealand have lost just one wicket in the powerplay this tournament. Amelia Kerr’s 12 wickets in this T20 World Cup are the third most by a bowler in a single tournament. With two wickets on Sunday, she will break Anya Shrubsole and Megan Schutt’s joint record. Bosh’s 74 points, which did not advance to the semifinals, are the highest individual score of the tournament so far.
quotation
“When we played that final, we put ourselves behind the eight ball. In a game like this, you have to give 200% and stay calm. “We’ve been in a hurry in some ways. Yes, we’ve been in a hurry at times. But throughout this tournament, we’ve always been calm and clear about how we want to approach things.” It shows the growth of this team. ”
All-rounder Chloe Tryon talks about how South Africa have changed since last year’s final
“We’re the grandmas of this team and we’re still going strong. Leah (Tahuhu) has her bionic knee, Sophie has dealt with a lot as captain, and I’m continuing to move forward. It’s a really special moment. “There were some tough times,” we went through some ups and downs, but making it to the finals is special. we care about each other. ”
Susie Bates talks about New Zealand’s veteran guard making another crack at glory
Shashank Kishore is Senior Deputy Editor at ESPNcricinfo
