South Africa v New Zealand – Final | Whatever It Takes Preview | WT20WC 2024
Moments after New Zealand's stunning win over West Indies in the semi-finals of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, there was brief, heart-touching moment as three of New Zealand's most experienced players shared an embrace and posed for the camera.
"We're the grandmas of the team," declares Suzie Bates a day ahead of the final, referring to herself, Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu.
"We're still standing, I think. Leah with her bionic knee, Sophie just having dealt with a lot of stuff as captain over the last few years and me just keeping on going and going.
"It's just a really special moment when you know there's been some tough times and the three of us in particular have been through the ups and downs and to have that moment and knowing we'd made the semifinals which gives yourself a chance was really special so we look after each other us old girls and try and keep up with some of the younger players."
New Zealand are Final bound | Digital Daily | WT20WC 2024
Bates and Tahuhu played a key part in the semi-final win. The former bowled the all-important final over, after a crucial knock at the top, with 14 runs to defend, while Tahuhu took the big wicket of Hayley Matthews with the game in the balance.
Devine has been outstanding as the leader of the group and will step down from the role at the end of the tournament, hoping to sign off on Sunday with the trophy in the bag.
"I think she's been absolutely brilliant in her captaincy," Bates said. "Just so calm. I think the decisions she's made in these conditions have been brilliant. So, it's unfortunate that she's stepping aside, but thankfully it's just as captain."
A title win wouldn't just be a great way for the trio to cap off a fantastic tournament, but would also send a great message to women in their 30s, says Bates, who will become the most capped player in women's internationals.
"The fact that I'm over 35 and still competing and that I've never given up on my dream, and I think as females you do feel societal pressure to give up on pursuing your dreams," Bates said.
"People, I think, expect you to do other things at a certain age and that is what is so exciting about women's sport is it is just growing and growing and we're breaking down barriers every single day and yeah it's not just young players It's players in our team coming back after having children."
Sunday’s final is scheduled for 18:00 local time and will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Fans can purchase tickets online, for more information on where to buy click here.
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