WT20WC 2024 Final Preview: Fairytale finish for either team awaits in Dubai

In perhaps an unlikely final match-up, South Africa and New Zealand are set to clash in a high-stakes battle for their first ICC Women's T20 World Cup title. Both teams have defied the odds and outperformed expectations to reach this stage, showcasing resilience, skill, and determination throughout the tournament.

South Africa, the runners-up from the previous edition in 2023 look to go one step further and finally get their hands on the coveted trophy. Meanwhile, New Zealand, who finished as runners-up in both 2009 and 2010, are also determined to break their finals curse and secure their first T20 World Cup title.

Both teams have been exceptional throughout the tournament, and the final promises to be an exciting contest between two determined sides hungry for their first T20 World Cup crown.

New Zealand v South Africa

Match Centre and Scorecard

New Zealand v South Africa, Sunday 19 October (18:00 local), Dubai International Cricket Stadium

If the rest of the tournament is to go by, cricket fans are in for a treat come the final chapter...

Full of twists and turns, tournament bragging rights and the trophy will again head south of the equator, though this time for either South Africa or New Zealand, following the Proteas' emphatic victory over defending champions Australia.

On the other side of the draw, New Zealand have made headlines of their own, first in a thumping of India to begin their campaign, and keeping their nerve in a semi-final win over the West Indies.

New Zealand are looking to secure their second ICC trophy, their first being the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2000. Meanwhile, South Africa are aiming to break their title drought and claim their first-ever ICC trophy.

How they got here

South Africa and New Zealand enter the final with only one loss each. New Zealand's sole defeat came against their rivals, Australia, while England beat South Africa during the group stage. Aside from these setbacks, both teams have delivered stellar performances throughout the tournament.

South Africa's journey to the final included victories over West Indies, Scotland, and Bangladesh in the group stage. They then pulled off a stunning upset by defeating the reigning champions, Australia, in the semi-final.

New Zealand, meanwhile, started their campaign with a memorable win against India, followed by triumphs over Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In the semi-final they managed to see of a late charge from the West Indies to secure their way into the final.

What They Said

South Africa

When asked about what winning the World Cup would mean, Chloe Tryon said, "It would mean so much. We've had incredible support back home, and we really want to unite the country. We wish the whole nation could be here with us, but we've got plenty of South Africans cheering us on from the stands. Honestly, I don't think words can describe how much it would mean to us.

"We're playing for everyone—our families, friends, and all those back home, gathering in different places to watch and support us. It would be such a special moment. Hopefully, we can make it happen on Sunday."

New Zealand

Suzie Bates reflected on what winning the World Cup would mean, saying, "To be honest, ever since 2009, as a cricketer, when you play team sport, your ultimate goal is to be a world champion. I think all those tournaments have motivated me, and I know they've motivated Sophie as well. Some of the younger girls, fortunately or unfortunately, don't have that same extra motivation.

"But yes, it feels like everything has built up to this moment, and we get one more opportunity tomorrow to have a good game. The most overwhelming thing about it is that it’s felt like a really long journey to get back to this point."

The Venue

The ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 final will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 20th October 2024.

Squads

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Mieke de Ridder, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Suné Luus, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloé Tryon

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu