South Africa players in tears as nation’s heartbreak continues in World Cup Final

In a heart-wrenching conclusion to the Women’s T20 World Cup, South Africa fell short against New Zealand, losing by 32 runs and missing out on their first title.

This marked another painful chapter for the team, following their runner-up finish in the previous edition of the tournament. The SA players were in tears after the conclusion of the game, which was a heartbreaking moment for the side.

In a space of just a few months in 2024, South Africa have now lost the men’s and women’s T20 World Cup Final. The men’s team lost against India at Barbados by a small margin of 6 runs, while the women’s team were outplayed in Dubai on Sunday, October 20.

Despite a solid start, South Africa could only manage 126 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt, who top-scored with 33 runs off 27 balls, saw her team’s promising opening partnership of 51 runs with Tazmin Brits dashed when Brits was dismissed by Fran Jonas in the seventh over.

As the innings progressed, the pressure mounted. Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch fell to the impressive Amelia Kerr in the same over, while Rosemary Mair took three wickets to further stifle South Africa’s chances.

Women’s T20 World Cup Final, NZ vs SA: Match Report

Earlier in the match, South Africa had chosen to bowl after winning the toss, but their plans were quickly derailed when Georgia Plimmer was dismissed for just nine runs in the second over. New Zealand capitalised on this early setback, posting a commendable total of 158 runs, the second-highest in a Women’s T20 World Cup final, with a remarkable 73 runs scored in the final six overs.

Suzie Bates, playing in a record 334th international match, led the White Ferns with 32 runs before being bowled by Nonkululeko Mlaba. Despite losing their captain Sophie Devine, Kerr (43 off 38) and Brooke Halliday (38) steadied the innings, adding a crucial 57 runs that ultimately proved decisive.

After the match, an emotional Kerr, who was named both player-of-the-match and player-of-the-tournament, expressed her joy but acknowledged the struggles the team had faced. “I’m a little bit speechless and I’m just so stoked to get the win, considering what this team’s been through,” she said.

Devine, reflecting on the match, noted the incredible talent of Kerr, saying, “We all know Kerr is a once-in-a-generation player. What she was able to do tonight was incredible.”

For the South African players, the tears flowed as they grappled with yet another close call in their quest for World Cup glory. The disappointment was palpable, as they realized the trophy they longed for had slipped from their grasp once again.