NZ set 159-run target for SA in Women's World Cup final

New Zealand set a challenging target of 159 runs for South Africa in the final of the Women's T20 World Cup on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where both teams are vying for their first-ever championship win.

New Zealand posted 158-5 in their 20 overs, with Amelia Kerr top-scoring with a well-paced 43 off 38 balls. Brooke Halliday added a valuable 38 from 28 deliveries, while opener Suzie Bates contributed 32 from 31 balls. South African bowler Nonkululeko Mlaba impressed with figures of 2-31 in her four overs.

South Africa, opting to bowl first after winning the toss under captain Laura Wolvaardt, will now aim to chase down the target and claim their first title in their second consecutive final appearance. South Africa finished runners-up in the 2023 edition, losing to Australia by 19 runs.

New Zealand, reaching the final for the first time since 2010, will be hoping to clinch their first Women's T20 World Cup title after two previous final defeats, against England in 2009 and Australia in 2010.