Another Cricket World Cup Final and another loss. That's three in a row for the Men and Women's Proteas team. The teams struggled to make the finals for decades and have now overcome that hurdle. They have however failed to hold the cup.
October 20, 2024, will be remembered as a disappointing day for South African cricket fans. The Proteas Women, who had stormed their way to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final with an impressive campaign, fell short in the big match against New Zealand, losing by 32 runs in Dubai. Despite a strong start to their chase, South Africa’s hopes of lifting their first T20 World Cup were dashed by an inspired White Ferns performance, led by Amelia Kerr.
The Proteas had entered the final with only one loss in the tournament—to England in the group stages—and their confidence had been sky-high after a commanding semi-final win over Australia. In that game, South Africa had shown positive intent and determination, stunning the Aussies with both bat and ball. However, the final against New Zealand proved to be a different challenge altogether, as the Proteas were outclassed on the night.
New Zealand, batting first after losing the toss, posted a formidable 158/5 in their 20 overs. Amelia Kerr, the star of the night, top-scored with 43 despite struggling with cramps, and her crucial contribution was supported by Brooke Halliday’s career-best 38. The White Ferns were steady throughout, and a late burst from Maddy Green, including a six off the penultimate ball, pushed their total to a challenging target for South Africa.
The Proteas started their chase with promise, as in-form openers Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits, the tournament’s top run-scorers, carried the team to 47 without loss by the end of the powerplay. Wolvaardt in particular looked in sublime touch, but the breakthrough came when Fran Jonas dismissed Brits, and the game began to turn. Amelia Kerr, already shining with the bat, then took the ball and made her mark once more. She dismissed Wolvaardt for 33, catching her at extra cover, and then struck again by removing Anneke Bosch in the same over after a successful review.
From there, South Africa struggled to recover. Marizanne Kapp’s wicket, mistiming a shot to deep midwicket off Eden Carson’s bowling, left the Proteas reeling. The nerves of the final seemed to catch up with them, as they looked a shadow of the side that had dominated Australia in the semi-final. Fielding mistakes, an inability to handle the pressure, and crucial missteps allowed New Zealand to maintain control throughout the match.
The Proteas, finishing at 126/9, could not find the acceleration needed to challenge the White Ferns’ total. Rosemary Mair, with three wickets, combined with Kerr’s all-round heroics to put the finishing touches on a comprehensive New Zealand victory.
Despite the heartbreak, the Proteas’ journey to the final cannot be discounted. They had shown brilliance throughout the tournament and displayed the potential to become champions. However, on this night, they were simply outplayed by a New Zealand team that came prepared for the occasion. The White Ferns, led by veterans Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, celebrated a historic win—clinching their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. Bates, playing her 334th international match, and Devine, finishing her stint as T20 captain, lifted the trophy that had eluded them 14 years ago.
While the Proteas will be disappointed by the result, they will no doubt learn from the experience and return stronger. Their semi-final win over Australia had shown their potential, but in the final, New Zealand proved to be the better team on the day. South Africa will reflect on what could have been, but they should also be proud of their efforts and resilience throughout the tournament.
Ultimately, the Proteas fell short, but their journey continues—and they remain a formidable force in women’s cricket.
[Submitted by Estea Rademeyer]