The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 celebrated its 9th edition, heralding the beginning of a new era for women’s cricket as New Zealand Women won the coveted trophy for the first time. Previously, in 2009 and 2010, the Kiwis reached the finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup, losing to England and Australia and being runners-up. After 14 years, the squad returned to the final and won their first Title.
This year’s tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 23 thrilling matches spread across two iconic venues:
- Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah (11 matches, including the 2nd semi-final).
- Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS), Dubai (12 matches, including the 1st semi-final and the final).
With a participation of 10 teams in total, the tournament saw hard-fought competition, memorable performances by different teams, and new champions. This event was more special as both the South African men’s and women’s teams reached the finals in the T20 World Cup this year—although neither managed to claim the title.
A Battle of Titans: The Group Stage Overview
The group stage provided plenty of entertainment, nail-biting encounters, and impressive individual performances. The 10 teams were split into two competitive groups:
Group A – Australia Women, New Zealand Women, India Women, Pakistan Women, and Sri Lanka Women.
Standings for Group A:
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
| 1 | Australia Women | 4 | 4 | 0 | 8 | 2.223 |
| 2 | New Zealand Women | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 0.879 |
| 3 | India Women | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0.322 |
| 4 | Pakistan Women | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -1.040 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka Women | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | -2.173 |
Group B – West Indies Women, South Africa Women, England Women, Bangladesh Women, and Scotland Women.
Standings for Group B:
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points | NRR |
| 1 | West Indies Women | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1.536 |
| 2 | South Africa Women | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1.382 |
| 3 | England Women | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 1.091 |
| 4 | Bangladesh Women | 4 | 1 | 3 | 2 | -0.844 |
| 5 | Scotland Women | 4 | 0 | 4 | 0 | -3.129 |
Key Matches of Group Stage That Defined the Tournament
- Australia vs India: Australia maintained its dominance with a narrow 9-run victory, securing the top spot in Group A.
- West Indies vs South Africa: The Caribbean team stunned South Africa in the group stages, finishing at the top of Group B with a remarkable 6-wicket win.
- India vs Pakistan: This classic rivalry saw India emerge victorious, winning by 6 wickets with 7 balls to spare, helping them secure third place in Group A.
Also Read: Five Leading Wicket-Takers in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: A Historical Overview
Knockout Stage: The Journey to the Final
The knockout rounds were contested by the top two teams from each group, delivering some of the most exciting cricket of the tournament.
1st Semi-Final (Dubai): Australia Women vs South Africa Women
South Africa chased down 135 in 17.2 overs with 8 wickets in hand. As a result, they reached the finals of the Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time in a row.
2nd Semi-Final (Sharjah): New Zealand Women vs West Indies Women
New Zealand secured their place in the final with an impressive 8-run victory, defeating the West Indies in a nail-biting finish that highlighted their depth and determination.
The Final Showdown: New Zealand’s Historic Victory
The grand finale at Dubai International Cricket Stadium was an electrifying contest between New Zealand Women and South Africa Women. Batting first, New Zealand posted a competitive 158/5. Amelia Kerr played a crucial role, both with the bat and ball. In response, South Africa faltered under pressure, managing 126/9 in 20 overs.
As a result, South Africa faced the heartbreak of being runners-up for the second year in a row.
New Zealand’s disciplined bowling ensured they stayed in control throughout the match. With a 32-run victory, New Zealand Women claimed their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title, marking a new era in women’s cricket. Amelia Kerr was adjudged player of the match and series thanks to this impeccable series of performances.
Standout Performers of the Tournament
Several players delivered memorable performances, contributing to the excitement of the tournament:
Top Run-Scorer and Most Fours: Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa Women’s Captain)
- Matches: 6
- Runs: 223
- Balls Faced: 197
- Highest Score: 59*
- Average: 44.60
- Strike Rate: 113.20
- Fours: 24 (most in the tournament)
- Sixes: 2
Most Sixes and Highest Strike Rate: Deandra Dottin (West Indies Women)
- 9 sixes in 5 innings
- Strike Rate: 162.16 (highest in the tournament)
- Batting Average: 40
Top Wicket-Taker and All-Rounder: Amelia Kerr (New Zealand Women)
Bowling Stats:
- Matches: 6
- Wickets: 15
- Balls: 136
- Runs: 110
- Best Bowling: 4/26
- Average: 7.33
- Economy: 4.85
Batting Stats:
- Runs: 135
- Balls Faced: 150
- Highest Score: 43
- Average: 27
- Strike Rate: 90
- Fours: 10
Best Bowling Economy: Tahlia McGrath (Australia Women)
- Economy Rate: 4.00 (in 3 matches)
- Bowling Average: 16
Check Also: Five Leading Scorers in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: A Historical Overview
The Impact of the Tournament
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 has set new benchmarks for women’s cricket. With New Zealand lifting the trophy for the first time, the tournament proved that the competitive spirit of women’s cricket continues to rise. Additionally, the fact that both the men’s and women’s South African teams reached their respective finals this year shows the growing prowess of South African cricket on the global stage.
This edition of the tournament also highlighted the importance of multi-dimensional players, such as Amelia Kerr, who excelled with both bat and ball. Performances like Laura Wolvaardt’s consistent batting and Deandra Dottin’s explosive hitting have further elevated the excitement around the women’s game.
Conclusion
The 9th edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 was nothing short of spectacular, with the New Zealand Women’s team scripting a historic first-time victory. Held across two picturesque venues in the UAE, the tournament has not only celebrated the growth of women’s cricket but also set the stage for future stars to shine. The thrilling matches, star performances, and the emergence of new champions signal that the future of women’s cricket is brighter than ever.
New Zealand’s triumph will inspire countless young players, and the road to glory in UAE will remain a pivotal chapter in the history of the Women’s T20 World Cup.