Amelia Kerr delivered a dream performance as New Zealand claimed their first-ever ICC Women's T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by 32 runs. The final in Bridgetown marked a significant moment for Kerr, who grew up inspired by the White Ferns' close loss in the 2010 final, which still haunts veteran Sophie Devine.
Kerr, just 24, shone in the decisive match, scoring 43 off 38 balls and taking 3/24, leading New Zealand to a strong total of 158/5 in their 20 overs. South Africa started well in their chase but faltered after the dismissal of Laura Wolvaardt, as Kerr and Eden Carson regularly took wickets to restrict them to 126/9.
The triumph was especially meaningful for veterans Devine and Suzie Bates, who were part of the heartbreaking loss to Australia 14 years ago. Bates, playing her 334th international match—making her the most capped female cricketer—helped set the tone with an aggressive 32, while Brooke Halliday’s 38 off 28 balls added crucial momentum.
Despite entering the tournament on the back of 10 straight T20I losses, New Zealand’s team spirit and belief carried them through. Captain Devine, who announced her intention to step down after the tournament, expressed her pride in Kerr’s performance: “She’s a once-in-a-generation player. It’s amazing what she did under pressure.”
The victory ended a long wait for New Zealand's senior players, while the team’s younger stars, especially Kerr, stepped up to fulfil a lifelong dream.