The grand finale of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is set to take place in Dubai on October 20, 2024. The contest will feature two teams, New Zealand Women (NZ-W) and South Africa Women (SA-W), both of which are on the cusp of making history. This final will witness the crowning of a first-time Women’s T20 World Cup champion, a moment that will undoubtedly etch itself into the annals of cricket history. In this article we will explore ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final and Team stats.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final : A Journey Full of Highs and Lows
New Zealand and South Africa have had remarkably similar paths leading up to the final, characterized by moments of brilliance as well as challenging losses. Both teams have had to prove themselves against the likes of powerhouses like Australia and England, who have historically dominated the women’s game.
For New Zealand, this is their second final appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup, having last played in the 2010 final. For South Africa, it marks their second final in as many years after making it to the 2023 edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup final but falling short to Australia. However, this time, they come into the match fresh from a stunning semi-final victory against the reigning champions, Australia, with Anneke Bosch’s standout performance sealing their spot.
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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Final Venue
Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) is the stage where these two teams will battle it out for ultimate glory. This ground has witnessed key moments in South Africa’s cricketing history before, notably when the men’s team won their only World Cup title in 2014. New Zealand, on the other hand, will be looking to banish memories of their loss to Australia in the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup final, which also took place here.
The Captains: Leaders with a Mission
South Africa’s captain Laura Wolvaardt and New Zealand’s Sophie Devine will be at the forefront of this high-stakes clash. Both captains have led their teams with distinction and have personal stakes in this final.
For Sophie Devine, who has been one of the stalwarts of New Zealand women’s cricket for over a decade, this final represents a chance to cap off her career with the one major international trophy that has eluded her. Having fought through personal and team challenges over the years, Devine is determined to lead her side to glory, much like how her men’s counterpart, Kane Williamson, sought redemption in 2021.
Laura Wolvaardt, on the other hand, is a relatively younger captain but no less determined. Having overtaken Dane van Niekerk as South Africa’s leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 World Cups, she will be aiming to inspire her team to a historic first-ever title.
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ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final : Players in the Spotlight
Sophie Devine (NZ-W):
Sophie Devine has been the backbone of New Zealand’s campaign. Her contributions with both bat and ball have been crucial in guiding the team through the tournament. Devine’s experience is unmatched, and she remains one of the most dangerous all-rounders in women’s cricket.
Anneke Bosch (SA-W):
Anneke Bosch has had a tournament filled with ups and downs, but her semi-final performance against Australia silenced critics. Bosch played a brilliant knock of 74* in the semi-final, displaying innovation and grit, which played a pivotal role in South Africa’s upset victory. If Bosch can continue her form, she could single-handedly turn the tide in favor of her team.
Amelia Kerr (NZ-W):
Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s spin-bowling sensation, has been outstanding in this tournament. With 12 wickets already, she sits near the top of the wicket-takers chart. Her ability to outfox batters with her leg-spin could be the deciding factor, especially given the spin-friendly conditions in Dubai.
Marizanne Kapp (SA-W):
Marizanne Kapp, South Africa’s pace-bowling all-rounder, has been one of the key contributors for her team. With her skillset and experience, Kapp is likely to be a vital cog in South Africa’s efforts both with the bat and the ball.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final : Key Stats and Trivia
- Suzie Bates is set to become the most capped player in women’s international cricket, surpassing India’s Mithali Raj with 334 matches.
- Laura Wolvaardt has become South Africa’s highest run-scorer in Women’s T20 World Cups, surpassing Dane van Niekerk.
- Amelia Kerr is two wickets away from surpassing the joint record held by Anya Shrubsole and Megan Schutt for the most wickets in a single edition of the Women’s T20 World Cup.
- Anneke Bosch’s 74* in the semi-final is the highest individual score of the tournament so far.
Pitch and Conditions: A Spin-Friendly Affair
The pitch in Dubai has consistently aided spinners, and this final is expected to be no different. The slow and turning surface has proved to be challenging for batters, particularly in the middle overs. Both teams are well-equipped to handle these conditions, with New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr and South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba likely to play pivotal roles in their team’s success.
In addition, the absence of dew – a factor that affected the 2021 Men’s T20 World Cup in the UAE – means that spinners will have even more of an advantage. The weather, though cooler than a few weeks ago, will still test the fitness and endurance of players, particularly in the second innings when the humidity rises.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Final : The Road to the Final
New Zealand’s Journey:
- Group Stage: Wins against India and Pakistan, a loss to Australia.
- Semi-final: Defeated England with a commanding performance, where Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr starred.
South Africa’s Journey:
- Group Stage: Wins against England and West Indies, a loss to India.
- Semi-final: Pulled off a massive upset against Australia, courtesy of Anneke Bosch’s incredible knock and Marizanne Kapp’s all-round brilliance.
Probable Playing XIs
New Zealand (Probable XI):
- Georgia Plimmer, 2. Suzie Bates, 3. Amelia Kerr, 4. Sophie Devine (c), 5. Brooke Halliday, 6. Maddy Green, 7. Isabella Gaze (wk), 8. Rosemary Mair, 9. Lea Tahuhu, 10. Eden Carson, 11. Fran Jonas
South Africa (Probable XI):
- Laura Wolvaardt (c), 2. Tazmin Brits, 3. Anneke Bosch, 4. Chloe Tryon, 5. Marizanne Kapp, 6. Sune Luus, 7. Annerie Dercksen, 8. Nadine de Klerk, 9. Sinao Jafta (wk), 10. Nonkululeko Mlaba, 11. Ayabonga Khaka
The Final Showdown
With both teams carrying immense hope and potential, Sunday’s final is bound to be a thrilling contest. It’s a game of emotions, legacy, and above all, a chance to create history. New Zealand will be fighting for their veterans, while South Africa will be aiming to complete a remarkable journey of redemption after last year’s heartbreak.
One thing is certain: come Sunday night, we will have a new Women’s T20 World Cup champion, and the celebrations will be massive. The world is eagerly awaiting the final, and both teams will give their all in pursuit of glory.