DUBAI: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and elected to bowl first against New Zealand in the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
Both teams are looking to secure their first-ever World Cup title after knocking out former champions in their respective semi-final matches.
Wolvaardt expressed confidence in her team’s decision to bowl first, noting that the tactic had worked well for them throughout the tournament. “It has worked pretty well for us,” she said, confirming that South Africa would field the same team that powered past six-time champions Australia in the semi-finals.
New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine admitted she would have chosen to bat first, aiming to put pressure on South Africa by posting a competitive total. “We just want to put runs on the board for the final,” Devine said.
She also confirmed that New Zealand was sticking with the same squad that defeated 2016 champions West Indies in a tense semi-final clash that went down to the last over.
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Both teams enter the final with momentum after semi-final victories. South Africa stormed past Australia, cruising to an eight-wicket win, while New Zealand survived a close encounter with the West Indies, eventually triumphing by eight runs to secure their place in the final.
This final presents a unique opportunity for both teams, as neither South Africa nor New Zealand has ever lifted the Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. South Africa, runners-up last year after losing to Australia, are aiming to go one step further this time. Meanwhile, New Zealand are appearing in their third final, having lost to England in 2009 and Australia in 2010.
South Africa Squad
Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka.
New Zealand Squad
Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas.
