March 10, 2024 – It was a night to remember in Dhaka, Bangladesh, as the New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team created history by winning their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup title. In a stunning final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, the White Ferns defeated defending champions Australia by 6 wickets, ending a long wait and stamping their authority on the world stage.
After years of near-misses and heartbreaks, this win not only broke New Zealand’s World Cup drought but also marked a significant moment for the growth of women’s cricket globally.
A Final to Remember
🏟 Venue: Sher-e-Bangla Stadium, Dhaka
📅 Date: March 10, 2024
🏆 Result: New Zealand won by 6 wickets
🏅 Player of the Match: Amelia Kerr – 3/18 & 35* (28 balls)
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first — a decision that would set the tone for the night. Their bowlers, led by Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, stifled the star-studded Australian batting line-up, restricting them to 131/7 in 20 overs. Despite a quickfire 41 from Beth Mooney, Australia never quite got going, thanks to disciplined bowling and sharp fielding from the Kiwis.
Chasing 132, New Zealand had a rocky start with both openers falling cheaply. But Sophie Devine (42 off 38) and Amelia Kerr (35 off 28)* steadied the innings with a crucial 65-run partnership. A late cameo from Maddy Green ensured they reached the target with 7 balls to spare.
Amelia Kerr – The Star of the Night
At just 23, Amelia Kerr has already been one of the faces of New Zealand cricket, but the 2024 final may go down as her greatest performance yet. Her all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Match, and she was also named the Player of the Tournament for her consistent contributions throughout.
Kerr ended the tournament with:
- 12 wickets at an economy of 5.1
- 183 runs, including two match-winning knocks in the knockout stages
Her poise under pressure and versatility with both bat and ball made her the backbone of New Zealand’s campaign.
Road to the Final: New Zealand’s Unbeaten Run
New Zealand had a dream run in the tournament, remaining unbeaten from the group stage all the way to the final.
- Group Stage: Wins over Bangladesh, South Africa, and India
- Semi-final: Defeated England by 5 wickets
- Final: Beat Australia by 6 wickets
The team was built around a core of experienced players like Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu, blended perfectly with young stars like Kerr and Georgia Plimmer.
Head coach Ben Sawyer praised the team’s discipline and fearless mindset, saying, “This group believed from day one that we could beat anyone. Tonight, they proved it on the biggest stage.”
Australia’s Era Ends?
Australia entered the tournament as overwhelming favorites, having won 6 of the last 7 ICC trophies across formats. But in the 2024 final, they looked far from invincible. Their middle-order collapse and inability to handle spin exposed weaknesses that were rarely seen in the past decade.
While Australia still boasts a strong squad, questions may arise over the future of senior players like Meg Lanning and Ellyse Perry, both of whom had inconsistent tournaments. Head coach Shelley Nitschke admitted post-match, “We were outplayed. This is a moment to reflect, regroup, and rebuild.”
Reactions from Around the Cricketing World
New Zealand’s win sparked celebrations not only at home but across the cricketing world. Former Kiwi cricketers, including Brendon McCullum and Stephen Fleming, hailed the women’s team for “bringing pride and glory to the nation.”
Even players from rival teams acknowledged the significance of the win:
- Smriti Mandhana (India): “Well-deserved victory! NZ played fearless cricket.”
- Natalie Sciver-Brunt (England): “Kudos to Amelia Kerr – what a tournament!”
The victory also sparked discussions around increased investment in women’s cricket in New Zealand, with Prime Minister Chris Hipkins congratulating the team and promising a national tour celebration.
Final Thoughts
The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will be remembered for the rise of a new champion. New Zealand’s first title is a testament to resilience, belief, and skill, showing that dominance in women’s cricket is no longer limited to a few nations.
For the White Ferns, this is just the beginning. With a young, talented core and a growing fan base, New Zealand looks set to lead a new era of competitive, exciting, and inclusive women’s cricket on the global stage.
