Final reignites rugby rivalry as White Ferns take on Proteas

A photo from the pre-final photoshoot of both captains is available on the ICC's OMZ.

When it comes to sport, New Zealand and South Africa are best known as being the two most successful rugby union sides on the planet, but now they will meet on the big stage in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final.

South Africa booked their place in Sunday’s showpiece by beating defending champions Australia, avenging their defeat in the final on home soil in 2023 to take one step closer to a maiden title.

This time around, they will face a New Zealand team who got the better of the West Indies in a thriller of a second semi-final to reach their first-ever final.

That means, just as the men’s rugby World Cup final last year was played between New Zealand and South Africa, it will be the same two nations facing off in Dubai.

For all-rounder Chloe Tryon and her Kiwi counterpart, that rugby final brings back particular memories.

Tryon said: “I always watch the rugby. It’s a funny story, I was watching (the final) last year with Suzie Bates as well, when we were in Australia. So it's a good rivalry, but you know, the character that (the Springboks) show is something we would love to do. And, we want to unite the country.”

South Africa made a statement with their eight-wicket victory in the final, ending Australia’s hopes of winning the title for the fourth time in a row.

After a good bowling performance, Anneke Bosch hammered an unbeaten 74 in the chase, putting South Africa back into the final.

And for Tryon, it means a lot to have backed up last year’s run on home soil, as the Proteas now aim to go one better.

She added: “It was obviously a tough pill to swallow then. We had to go back and really reflect on how we want to progress from that and how we want to get back into the final. I think there were a lot of individuals that just wanted to work on their games and I felt that coming into this World Cup we just wanted to be nice and calm.

“I feel like we've grown a lot as a unit and as individuals and knowing our roles. But I feel like the way we've been playing is quite calm. And I feel like that's been really good in our group. And everyone's just been gelling really well together.”

While South Africa’s victory over Australia was emphatic, there were a few more nerves for New Zealand, whose battle with the Windies went down to the final over.

Bates was given the duty of bowling those last six deliveries, with the Windies needing 15, and it was her first over of the entire tournament.

She stepped up, as New Zealand ended up winning by eight runs, with Bates, skipper Sophie Devine and fellow experienced campaigner Lea Tahuhu overcome with emotion at reaching a first global final since 2010.

Bates said: “We're the grandmas of the team and we're still standing, I think. Lea 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. So yeah, 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 semi-finals 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.

“I think it wasn't actually until today when I went and had a swim at the beach that it sort of hit me and I got a bit teary-eyed. I think with the adrenaline and everything that's going on, you're sort of just in a bit of shock. I watched the highlights. I never watch my bowling because it feels way better than when I watch it. It looks hideous.

“But this morning I didn't care what it looked like and the emotions of messages from home, family, and friends, sharing that happiness with them.

“You know if you've been a White Ferns fan, well I've been in the team, there's been a lot of ups and downs, highs, and lows, and they've ridden that roller coaster with you. So, I think it was sort of carrying those emotions that they've got something to celebrate as well as us.”

ENDS