New Zealand came to the Women’s T20 World Cup with a 1-12 record WT20Is record in 2024. With Australia and India in their group, no one even thought the White Ferns could, yet yesterday they took on the podium with a trophy in their arms. They hadn’t made the final of an ICC event since 2010 and last won a title in 2000.
Redemption
It was a redemption moment for Kiwi cricket. In the last decade, their men’s side, the Black Caps, lost back-to-back ODI World Cup Finals and then lost the 2021 T20 World Cup Final at the same venue, Dubai International Cricket Stadium. For the White Ferns, captain Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu might have played T20Is together for one last time. All three have served New Zealand Women’s Cricket for over a decade, and if this was a swansong, what a way to go.
Massive moment: Devine on beating India
After the 32-run victory over South Africa, White Ferns captain Devine was asked what she thought was the turning point for them. Since the Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, New Zealand had a 5-16 record in WT20Is. The comprehensive victory over India Women was the first domino to fall, and that’s why Devine credited that win after lifting the trophy.
“It’s really hard to pinpoint one moment or one game. Probably most recently is that India game, though. I think that was probably the most complete performance we’ve had since the World Cup in South Africa, and everything did come together. As I said, it showed that belief and confidence in this group, and to put it together and to know that we could do it, I think, was a massive moment for us and helped us on our journey to being here tonight with this [trophy] in front of us,” Sophie Devine said in the post-match press conference.
“So hard to pinpoint because there’s so much that goes into it. I mean, everyone thinks about the games, but it’s the work that goes on behind the scenes that a lot of people don’t see. But, yeah, I think if you’re talking about performances, that India one probably set the tone for us,” she concluded.
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