South Africa win toss, bowl first against New Zealand

South Africa (L) and New Zealand players line up for their national anthems before the start of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup cricket final match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai on October 20, 2024.AFP

South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt won the toss and chose to bowl first against New Zealand in the Women's T20 World Cup final at Dubai on Sunday.

"It has worked pretty well for us," said Wolvaardt who announced the same side as beat Australia in the semis.

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine, who played in their last final against Australia 14 years ago, said she would have batted anyway if she had won the toss.

"We just want to put runs on the board for the final," said Devine who also announced an unchanged side.

There will be a new name on the trophy whoever wins after both sides knocked out two of the three previous winners in the semi-finals.

The South Africans demolished six-time champions Australia by eight wickets to book their place in a second successive final - they lost to the Aussies in Cape Town last year.

The White Ferns had a stiffer semi that went to the last over before they completed an eight-run win over 2016 winners West Indies.

They are in their third final, having lost in 2009 and 2010.

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (capt), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

New Zealand: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (capt), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Lea Tahuhu, Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas