5 best knocks of 2024 Women's World Cup ft. Sophie Devine

The 2024 Women's T20 World Cup concluded with New Zealand winning their maiden title on Sunday (October 20) in Dubai. They overcame the challenge of a strong South African outfit by 32 runs.

Batting first, the White Ferns managed to post a strong total of 158, led by Amelia Kerr (43). They then restricted the Proteas Women to 126, with Kerr and Rosemary Mair picking three wickets each.

Meanwhile, teams like Australia and West Indies played well throughout the tournament but were not potent enough in the semi-final stage.

Over the past three weeks, many batters scored crucial runs for their teams in crunch situations or continued the momentum with their ball-striking abilities. On that note, let's take a look at the five best knocks of the Women's T20 World Cup.

---

#5 Sophie Devine - 57* off 36 vs India

In the fourth match of the tournament, New Zealand faced the Indian team in Dubai. Batting first, New Zealand got off to a sublime start with Suzie Bates (27) and Georgia Plimmer (34).

Although Amelia Kerr (13 off 22) struggled to get going, skipper Sophie Devine rose to the occasion. Devine gave her side a solid finish, slamming 57* off 36, with seven fours. She used her feet well to reach close to the ball and make a sweet connection with the ball. As a result, New Zealand posted a total of 160.

In response, India never looked in the game, losing wickets at consistent intervals. In the end, the Women in Blue were all-out for 102, with Rosemary Mair picking up four scalps.

---

#4 Laura Wolvaardt - 59* off 55 vs West Indies

The third fixture of the showpiece event saw South Africa square off against West Indies in Dubai. Although Stafanie Taylor put in a spirited effort by scoring 44, the other batters failed to contribute for the side, as they were restricted to 118/6.

Thereafter, Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits (57*) dominated the proceedings to coast to a 10-wicket victory. Wolvaardt slammed 59* off 55 with seven fours and was the top-scorer for the side. The right-hander also emerged as the top batter of the tournament with 223 runs.

---

#3 Qiana Joseph - 52 off 38 vs England

West Indies opener Qiana Joseph played one of the finest knocks in the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup against England in Dubai. Batting first, the Heather Knight-led side batted first and scored 141, with Nat Sciver-Brunt (57) as the top-scorer.

In response, Hayley Mathews (50) and Joseph employed their positive intent to stitch together a 102-run stand. Despite being inexperienced, Joseph put the England bowlers under the pump with her big shots.

As a result of a strong start, the Caribbean team chased down the score with two overs to spare. It also helped the team to ouster England from the tournament and qualify for the semi-finals.

---

#2 Maia Bouchier - 62* off 34 vs Scotland

Maia Bouchier played an impressive knock to stun the Scottish side in Sharjah. Batting first, Scotland could post a low total of 109, with skipper Kathryn Bryce (33) emerging as the top-scorer.

Bouchier then started the chase on a strong note, accumulating boundaries off the first three balls of the innings. She went to slam 62* off 34 balls, with 12 fours, and stitched together an unbeaten 113-run stand with Danni Wyatt-Hodge (51*). The duo completed the chase in just 10 overs.

---

#1 Anneke Bosch - 74* off 58 vs Australia

South Africa Women displayed a terrific all-round effort to end Australia's 15-game win streak in the Women's T20 World Cups.

The Women in Yellow struggled to get going against Proteas Women in the first semi-final game of the tournament in Dubai. They managed to compile a respectable total of 134, with Beth Mooney (44) as the top contributor.

In response, South Africa got a 25-run opening stand before Anneke Bosch arrived at the crease. Bosch then shared a 91-run stand with Laura Wolvaardt (42) and steered the team at a comfortable rate.

Bosch went on to slam 74* off 58, with eight fours and a six to her name, while charging down the bowlers and scoring runs all around the park. South Africa completed the chase with more than two overs to spare to book a place in the final.