In a thrilling 2024 Women's T20 World Cup final, South Africa's hopes of securing their maiden World Cup title were dashed as New Zealand's aggressive approach with the bat caught the Proteas off-guard. Despite Laura Wolvaardt's captaincy and strong start, a few quiet overs in the chase cost South Africa the title.

New Zealand, put into bat, posted a formidable 158/5, thanks to a strong partnership between Brooke Halliday and Amelia Kerr. While South Africa's bowlers made breakthroughs, costly extras, including three no-balls, allowed New Zealand to push the total higher than expected.

Wolvaardt's side responded with a solid powerplay, reaching 47 without loss, but soon fell behind the required rate. Reflecting on the match, Wolvaardt admitted, "A lot of us really thought this was our opportunity to win our maiden World Cup. We let them score too many and got caught off guard by their intent with the bat."

Despite South Africa's valiant semifinal win against Australia, their final performance couldn't replicate that magic. Wolvaardt defended the decision to field after winning the toss but acknowledged that the team's 15 extras cost them a more achievable target. "Take off 15 extras, and the whole equation changes," she said.

South Africa’s women's team, like their men's team, has now reached three T20 World Cup finals in recent years, but a trophy still eludes them. Wolvaardt, however, remains optimistic about the future, citing the young talent in the squad and the back-to-back final appearances as signs of growth.

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