New Delhi: New Zealand women produced a commendable effort on Sunday to clinch their maiden women’s T20 World Cup title after defeating South Africa by 32 runs in the final clash in Dubai. The Kiwis, who were remarkable throughout the showpiece event, stood tall in the summit clash, showcasing grit and determination at the highest level.
Batting first, the Kiwis batted brilliantly to accumulate 158/5 in the stipulated 20 overs with Amelia Kerr top-scoring for the side with 43 runs. Brooke Halliday smashed 38 runs while opening batter Suzie Bates scored 32 runs. For South Africa, Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed two wickets for the team. Defending a good total, Kiwi bowlers Kerr and Rosemary Mair were remarkable as they picked three wickets apiece to dent the South African chase.
As a result of the some brilliant bowling, South Africa team was restricted to 126/9 in 20 overs. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt was the lone player from the side to put up a good show in the chase as she smashed a fine 33-run knock but the other batters in the line up failed, which led to the team’s defeat.
How much prize money will New Zealand get?
Earlier this year, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced a huge raise of 134 per cent in the winner’s prize money of this edition of the women’s T20 World Cup. As per the new module, world champions New Zealand will split prize money of around USD 2.3 million for lifting the coveted trophy. That means around USD 155,000 or NZD 256,000 per team member, who have struggled for years to achieve financial parity with their male counterparts.
Apart from this, the first runners-up South Africa were also awarded a cash-prize of USD 1.17 million (Rs 9.8 crore). Earlier, New Zealand beat West Indies in the semifinals of the tournament, while South Africa knocked our defending champions Australia to make it to the final.
