The Womens T20 World Cup concludes in Dubai on today, and a new name will be added to the trophy. As New Zealand and South Africa prepare for the final, the two sides will compete for the opportunity to etch their names into cricket history, shattering Australias long-standing domination, Cape town Etc reports.
Australia has won six of the past eight titles, with just England in 2009 and the West Indies in 2016 challenging their dominance. However, this years final offers a new champion, a fitting conclusion to a championship full of exhilarating cricket and unexpected surprises. Originally slated to take place in Bangladesh, political instability forced its relocation to the UAE. Despite the short notice, the competition provided unforgettable moments, demonstrating the growing power of womens cricket.
Todays final will feature the tournaments two most tactically smart and brave teams. Both New Zealand and South Africa have demonstrated remarkable resilience, making critical plays when necessary. Despite their weaknesses, New Zealand advanced to the final by defeating a difficult West Indies team in the semi-finals, despite missing critical opportunities. Defending a modest 128-9, they used excellent bowling to contain a West Indian team that had previously dominated England in a key group-stage game.
New Zealands outstanding players include Amelia Kerr, the tournaments leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets, and Eden Carson, whose efforts with Kerr have instilled confidence in captain Sophie Devine. Devine is confident about the approaching final, based on her experience in 2010, when New Zealand barely lost to Australia.
We are really excited about the final. We have nothing to lose, and that is a great space to be, Devine said. We are going to win this thing now.
