NEW ZEALAND overcame South Africa by 32 runs to win their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup at the weekend.

The White Ferns came into the tournament on a 10-game losing streak and rank outsiders, but their victorious run continued in the Dubai final as South Africa were unable to get near their total of 158 for five.

Amelia Kerr (43), Brooke Halliday (38) and Suzie Bates (32) all made important contributions after South Africa had won the toss and elected to bowl.

New Zealand, in their first final since 2010 when Australia beat them by three runs in Barbados, saw Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits put on 51 for the opening wicket.

But their discipline with the ball reaped rewards as wickets were taken at regular intervals and South Africa limped to 126 for nine.

Kerr and Rosemary Mair both took three wickets, with Eden Carson, Fran Jonas and Halliday also enjoying success in an impressive team effort.