South Africa suffered defeat in second consecutive Women’s T20 World Cup final. After losing to Australia at home, South Africa lost to New Zealand in Dubai and failed to cross the final hurdle. The loss left South Africa players distraught. They could not put up a fight in the run chase despite a good start from the openers and lost the match by 32 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While all players were disappointing and had tears in their eyes in South Africa dugout, veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp and Tazmin Brits cried inconsolably.
The support staff tried to calm the players down while their fireworks in the background as New Zealand celebrated their maiden T20 World Cup title. The last time they won a World Cup was in the 2000 edition in ODI format.
South Africa batters crumble under pressure of big run chase
Marizanne was economical while other bowlers went for plenty barring Chloe Tryon. The pacer conceded 25 runs from her quota of four overs despite bowling two no balls. Chasing a target of 159, skipper Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin got their side off to a good start with a 51-run partnership. Laura top-scored with 33 off 27 balls, Tazmin scored 17 runs from 18 deliveries.
But South Africa lost the plot in the middle overs as run rate mounted up. They kept on losing wickets at regular intervals. Marizanne was dismissed by Eden Carson in the 12th over of the innings for a single-digit score. New Zealand captain Sophie Devine used her bowlers well. They did not give South Africa batters much pace to work with as they managed to post 126/9 on the board.
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Laura admits South Africa lost in middle overs
“We were backing ourselves at the halfway stage. They really put the squeeze after the powerplay. I think 7-11 was probably not our best phase but credit to New Zealand. Very exciting (on the side's future). Have some really experienced players like Marizanne Kapp. Have some youngsters on the bench as well who didn't get an opportunity this World Cup,” Laura said in the post-match presentation.
