Kerr propels NZ to 158-5 against Proteas

NZ’s Amelia Kerr during her 43 yesterday. Pic/AP, PTI

When South Africa opted to chase in the semi-final against Australia, many skeptics felt they had unnecessarily brought pressure upon themselves. But they went on to prove their detractors wrong by a long way. In the final of the Women's T20 World Cup here on Sunday night, when South African skipper Laura Wolvaardt again won the toss, she did not hesitate in deciding to chase the target. It's quite apparent they feel confident going after the target.

As has been the case right throughout the tournament, the pitch for the final proved challenging for batters, with the ball occasionally stopping and keeping low. As a result, New Zealand were caught in the dilemma of whether to go on an all-out attack or be judicious.

Also Read: Women's cricket in Asia struggles to match Western standards

Going for overtly ambitious shots they did keep losing wickets and ended up 158-5, leaving South Africa to chase the target at almost eight runs an over in front of a near-full house, the largest seen during the tournament, outstripping the ones seen during India's matches against Pakistan here in Dubai and against Australia in Sharjah.

The bulk of the runs came from the two most experienced White Ferns batters. Opener Suzie Bates contributed 32 off 31 balls while Amelia Kerr added 43 from 38 balls. At the time of going to press, South Africa were 64-3 after 10 overs.