Meta Description: The White Ferns did everything right when it mattered the most. Also, take a closer look at where India went wrong in the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024.
Entering the World Cup on a losing streak of 10 matches, the New Zealand Women’s cricket team was the least favorite. Nobody would have even thought that they would enter the knockout matches of the tournament, let alone win the tournament. The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup favorites were Australia, India and England. Nobody even in their wildest dreams would have dreamt that all these 3 teams would be out of the tournament.
The T20 Women’s World Cup 2024, ended with New Zealand taking the trophy home, marking this as their maiden title. This remarkable victory was nothing short of a Bollywood movie giving the White Ferns their most awaited turning point in history.
Their performance on the international stage had been questioned and criticized for quite some years now, and this commanding 32-run triumph over South Africa gave every critique a befitting reply. New Zealand’s campaign was defined by strategic brilliance, collective effort, and individual excellence.
The Road to Glory for New Zealand
Performance in Group Stages
Positioned in a challenging set, alongside tough teams like Australia, and India, the New Zealand Cricket Team had to start the World Cup with a clear strategy. The only focus was to get to the knockouts and then take it from there. This felt like an easy feat to achieve after their first match against India, which was a close victory. Their consistency from there earned them a sweet semi-finale spot, all thanks to Amelia Kerr and Suzie Bates.
Semifinal Showdown
New Zealand faced West Indies, in their semi-final, a team that has always been known for an aggressive approach towards the game. NZ was batting first, while the innings were falling apart, Kerr and Brooke Halliday helped post a decent total of 142/7. The bowling unit led by Rosemary Mair, also delivered under pressure. Restricting the West Indies to 134/8 and securing an eight-run win.
The Grand Finale
The final was a true test of their resilience and determination. Having reached the finals of the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024, the trophy was just 240 balls away. The planning and execution had to be a masterclass. Again, as they batted first, they stitched 158/5 runs in the first innings, capitalizing on their steady partnerships.
Amelia Kerr faced 36 balls to score 43 runs and Bates scored 32 runs, which gave them the foundation for their innings. The bowlers then followed the lead of Rosemary Mair and Kerr, who picked 3 wickets each to break South Africa’s batters. Their patience and discipline ensured their victory.
Key Performers for New Zealand
Amelia Kerr
Without a second thought, Amelia Kerr’s brilliance with the bat and the ball was instrumental in New Zealand’s success. Her performance in this edition of the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 was impeccable throughout the tournament. She ended the tournament as the leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets to her name.
Rosemary Mair
Her knack for picking wickets and accuracy in picking wickets were pivotal in the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Her ability to deliver under pressure, especially in the final, marked her value in the team.
Suzie Bates
Bates, the grandma of the team, brought stability and experience to the side. Her determination and consistent performances with the bat and her leadership on the field were key to New Zealand’s journey.
India’s Campaign: A Tale of Missed Opportunities
India entered the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024 campaign as one of the favorites. The squad led by Harmanpreet Kaur, followed by talents like Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, etc, was a talented pool. However, talent alone wasn’t enough for the campaign. The inconsistent performances and lack of composure only added to the agony of losing, yet another World Cup. The stage was set, yet the team couldn’t deliver their best performance.
Promising Start
To add to the story, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s campaign began on a positive note. A dominating win against the Lankans. Mandhana’s half-century and Sharma’s economical bowling showed the caliber and depth this team had. This victory had high hopes for every Indian fan.
The Turning Point
With such a strong start at the beginning of the campaign, the match against New Zealand did not go India’s way. India failed to show their batting depth when they posted a total of 136 runs. The batting lineup crumbled, and how. Harmanpreet- captain’s knock of 45 off 35 balls, also couldn’t save India against the NZ bowling attack. This loss exposed vulnerabilities in India’s middle order and their inability to close out games while the team fell short by 12 runs.
Semifinal Exit
Somehow, India managed to reach the semis of the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. It was about gaining momentum and going for the runs. Yet, again Kaur led from the front, helping India post a total of 147/6. It was time for the bowlers to work their wonder and they failed to produce early breakthroughs. The West Indies chased down the total with 3 spare balls, breaking India’s dream of claiming their maiden title.
Losing Momentum
India lost their momentum during the match against NZ. It was tough to come back from there, but they managed to reach the semis, however, luck did not favor India against the West Indies. Their failure to build momentum in crucial campaigns was seen yet again. This wasn’t the end the team may have expected, but that’s what they displayed at the end.
The Significance of New Zealand’s Victory
NZ’s maiden 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup win is a testament to their team’s character development. The win holds immense significance for Women’s cricket in New Zealand and inspires a whole new generation of players and fans. Highlighting the growth in women’s cricket on a global stage.
Breaking the Monopoly
With Australia, England, and the West Indies dominating previous editions. New Zealand’s triumph breaks the traditional stronghold and adds diversity to the list of champions.
Setting a Benchmark
The White Ferns’ success set a high standard for the other teams. It showcased the importance of teamwork, determination, and resilience. Their journey from nowhere to winning the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup shows that with the right mindset and preparation, any team can achieve greatness.
Lessons for India and the Road Ahead
No matter what the campaign, India’s journey offers valuable lessons for the team. As they prepare for future tournaments, addressing middle-order stability, death bowling, and fielding are crucial. Proper grooming of young talents like Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma provides great hope for India’s future.
Building a Winning Culture
If India can take one lesson from a team like New Zealand, it will be how to thrive under pressure. India needs to bridge the gap between performance and potential. Cultivating a culture that emphasizes adaptability and mental toughness. The road ahead may be long but India has the depth to get going.
The Importance of Domestic Leagues
The Indian Women’s Team requires more than just in-depth performances. Players like Kerr and Bates have often thrived in their home leagues to get ahead in the international leagues. Consistency at home can help groom even the weakest players to achieve greatness.
The White Ferns Dance of Glory
New Zealand’s historic victory will be remembered as a defining moment in women’s cricket. While India’s campaign serves as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of excellence. The 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup was a celebration of skill, strategy, and determination.
For fans, the tournament was a spectacle of entertainment and a testament to the growth of women’s cricket on the global stage. As the cricketing world looks ahead, teams will draw inspiration from New Zealand’s journey and strive to create their legacies.
