When New Zealand’s golden generation, led by the remarkable Sophie Devine, takes on a tough South Africa in the T20 World Cup summit match that will produce a new champion on Sunday, it will have one final opportunity to hold an international ICC trophy. None of the current players were involved in the historic title victory that New Zealand’s women’s side achieved in 2000 when they won the ODI World Cup. The White Ferns made it to the Women’s T20 World Cup final for the first time since 2010.
After losing to Australia at home in the 2023 World Cup final, South Africa will be similarly motivated to finish the unfinished business. Since they lost the tight game by just 19 runs, they have a chance to put the unpleasant memories behind them.
1. Sophie Devine
Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu and Bates will most likely be playing for the Black Shirts in their final international tournament appearance. In white-ball forms, Devine, 35, has amassed over 7000 runs, while Bates, 37, has amassed over 10,000 runs. In white-ball cricket, Bates and Devine, who survived those campaigns, will thus receive a third chance to win the first ICC trophy for New Zealand since the men’s side took home the Champions Trophy in Kenya in 2000.
2. Amelia Kerr
New Zealand defeated the West Indies by eight runs to go to the Women’s T20 World Cup final, thanks to Amelia Kerr’s sustained amazing performance. With the help of players like Eden Carson (8), Rosemary Mair (7), and the seasoned Lea Tahuhu, Kerr’s wicket total has increased to 12 in the competition. Currently, she is the highest wicket-taker in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
3. Laura Wolvardt
The captain of South Africa, Laura Wolvardt, helped her team to win over against Australia in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup semifinal. The skipper came up and scored 42 runs off of 37 balls to lead her side from the front. Throughout the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Laura Wolvardt has been in great form. She is the highest run-getter in the tournament. She has scored 190 runs.
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