The Women's T20 World Cup has come to a conclusion. New Zealand came out as the eventual champions of the tournament. It's their first title that they have won. They beat South Africa by 32 runs to lift the trophy.
There was controversy way before the tournament started. It all had to do with the Host nation. It was initially penciled in for Bangladesh. However, there was a concern for player safety. This was in relation to the protests that was taking place. This was in regard to the anti-government demonstrations against the administration of Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina. Consequently, the tournament was moved to the U.A.E.. Bangladesh still maintained the hosting rights.
New Zealand began their tournament with a match against India. New Zealand batted first and scored 160-4. Sophie Devine put in a captain's knock by top scoring with 57*. New Zealand bowled India out for 102. Rosemary Mair was the chief destroyer with figures of 4-19 after bowling the allotted four overs.
New Zealand were thrashed in their trans-Tasman encounter with Australia. Reigning champions Australia batted first and posted 148-8. Amelia Kerr was the pick of the bowlers with 4-26. New Zealand were then bundled out for 88. Kerr top scored with 29.
It was a rather small scoring affair when it came to the match against Sri Lanka. Sri L anka batted first and posted 115-5. Leigh Kasperek and Amelia Kerr shared the spoils of the wickets by each taking two apiece. Georgia Plimmer led the way with the chase by scoring 53.
New Zealand ended their group stage matches with Pakistan. They batted first and scored 110-6. Veteran Suzie Bates top scored with 28. In reply, Pakistan were skittled for 56. Amelia Kerr dominated with the ball as she took 3-14 after 2.4 overs. New Zealand finished 2nd in their group; behind Group winners, Australia.
New Zealand had a hard assignment at hand in the semi-final when they faced the West Indies. New Zealand batted first and accumulated 128-9 after the 20 overs. Georgia Plimmer top scored with 33. West indies could only muster 120 for the loss of 8 wickets. Eden Carson was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-29.
South Africa started their campaign against the West Indies. West Indies batted first and scored 118-6. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-29. Captain Laura Wolvaardt led the way with the chase by scoring an unbeaten 59 on the road to winning by 10 wickets.
South Africa suffered a narrow loss against England. South Africa batted first and scored 124-6. Laura Wolvaardt top scored with 42. England reached the 125 total for the loss of 7 wickets with 4 balls remaining. Marizanne Kapp was the top bowler with 1-17.
South Africa rebounded with a crushing win over Scotland. South Africa batted first and posted 166-5. Tazmin Brits and Marizanne Kapp each top scored with 43. Scotland, in reply, were bowled out for 86. Nonkululeko Mlaba was the destroyer with figures of 3-12.
South Africa ended their group stage matches against the, "Hosts." Bangladesh batted first and could only manage 106-3 in their 20 overs. Marizanne Kapp; Annerie Dercksen and Nonkululeto Mlaba each took a wicket. Tazmin Brits led the chase by scoring 42. South Africa would win by 7 wickets and with 16 balls remaining. South Africa would finish 2nd based on Net Run-Rate. England were eliminated as a result.
South Africa faced the almighty Australia in the semi-final. Australia batted first and scored 134-5. Ayabonga Khaka was the top performing bowler with 2-24. South Africa successfully chased 135 with the aide of Anneke Bosch (74*) and Laura Wolvaardt (42). South Africa would win by 8 wickets.
By being eliminated at the semi-final stage, Australia would miss out on the final for the first time in 7 tournaments.
When it came to the final, South Africa won the toss and elected to field first. Brooke Halliday (38); Suzie Bates (32) and Amelia Kerr (43) all contributed to New Zealand's total of 158-5. Nonkululeto Mlaba took 2-31. South Africa started off strong with a 51-run opening partnership. Things turned ugly when Tazmin Brits was dismissed. South Africa would lose 8 wickets for 69 runs. They came up short by finishing their innings with a scoreline of 126-7.
It was an absolute heartbreak to see South Africa lose. This is a case of history repeating itself as South Africa ended as the runners-up in the previous T20 World Cup. It's not just the women who have gone through this. The men's side also suffered a similar loss in the men's T20 World Cup earlier in the year.
If there's one benefit to all of this, it's that South Africa have come closer to winning a tournament. In the past, South Africa would be eliminated in the semi-finals. However, it could be argued that they have progressed. The next step, hopefully, is South Africa winning tournaments soon enough.
Congratulations New Zealand!!!