Published By: Sayan Guha

New Zealand Eyes Redemption in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Final Against South Africa: A Look Back at Past Heartbreaks

Can the White Ferns Rewrite History?

New Zealand’s White Ferns are back in the spotlight, reaching the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 after a thrilling contest against the West Indies in Sharjah. In a nerve-wracking match under the lights, New Zealand set a modest target of 129, with Georgia Plimmer top-scoring with 33. But it was their spinners who turned the game around. Eden Carson took 3/29 and Melie Kerr delivered a masterclass in pressure bowling with 2/14, dismissing the dangerous Deandra Dottin to seal the win and secure their spot on Sunday’s final.

On Sunday, New Zealand will face South Africa at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium at 7:30 PM IST. Both teams will be vying for their first Women’s T20 World Cup title. A new champion will be crowned, and history will be made.

New Zealand’s quest for glory

This will be New Zealand’s third appearance in the Women’s T20 World Cup final, and the White Ferns will be hoping they can go all the way this time. But as the saying goes, the third time’s the charm. For the White Ferns, it’s not just about lifting the trophy but rewriting their legacy in T20 cricket.

While South Africa is making their first-ever appearance in the final, New Zealand’s women know the heartbreak of falling just short on the biggest stage. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to revisit the last two times New Zealand reached the final—and how close they came to glory.

The heartbreak of Bridgetown – 2010

Back in 2010, New Zealand found themselves in a nail-biting final against Australia in Bridgetown. Chasing a modest target of 107, the White Ferns were favourites. But cricket has its own way of throwing surprises, and Australia’s Ellyse Perry had other plans.

The White Ferns were 29 for 4, their top order in tatters, when Sophie Devine tried to salvage the chase with an unbeaten 38. But it wasn’t enough. Perry bowled brilliantly, knocking over Amy Satterthwaite’s off-stump and closing out the game in dramatic fashion. New Zealand fell just three runs short, scoring 103 for 6. The Aussies celebrated their victory while the White Ferns wondered what could have been. Perry’s all-round brilliance won her the Player of the Match award, and New Zealand’s wait for a world title continued.

The Lord’s final heartache – 2009

One year earlier, in 2009, New Zealand had reached their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup final at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. Expectations were high, but it wasn’t to be. England, the host nation, were simply too good on the day, with Katherine Brunt’s fiery spell of 3 for 6 tearing through the New Zealand batting lineup.

New Zealand were bowled out for just 85, and England easily chased the target, winning by six wickets. Claire Taylor’s steady 39* ensured England would lift the trophy on home soil, leaving New Zealand to reflect on another close call.

It was a bitter pill to swallow for the White Ferns, who had been in fine form throughout the tournament but crumbled when it mattered most. Two years, two finals, and twice, they came up short. The scars of those defeats still linger, but the 2024 final offers a chance to right those wrongs.

Will history repeat itself, or will the Ferns fly?

The pressure is on New Zealand to deliver in their third Women’s T20 World Cup final. But this is a different White Ferns side that has shown resilience and determination throughout this tournament. Melie Kerr, Eden Carson, and Georgia Plimmer have been standout performers, and the team’s blend of youth and experience could be the key to finally crossing the finish line.