The New Zealand women’s cricket team scripted history on the 20th of October 2024, clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title after coming close in 2009 and 2010. To honor this landmark achievement, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has revealed plans for a grand, nine-day nationwide celebration.
Fresh off their World Cup win, New Zealand toured India for a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series, which concluded on the 29th of October with a 1-2 defeat for the visitors. The team is set to return home this Friday to a welcome by fans and sponsors at the Novotel airport hotel in Christchurch marking the end of a lengthy period away that began in early September with a three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series in Australia as part of their World Cup preparations.
The ‘Trophy Tour’ from South to North kicks off this Saturday in Dunedin, the hometown of Suzie Bates and Eden Carson—a fitting start. Bates, T20I cricket’s highest run-scorer, faced the disappointment of the 2009 and 2010 losses but stayed committed to the dream of ultimate glory. Meanwhile, rising star Carson played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s World Cup campaign, claiming nine wickets at an average of 16.33 and an economy rate of 6.39.
Team members and support staff will make appearances at various fan events across their regions. These free-entry public gatherings will include visits to cricket clubs and schools, aiming to inspire future generations and share the joy of their historic win. After a day in Dunedin, the Trophy Tour will travel through Christchurch, Nelson, Wellington, Napier, Hamilton, and culminate with a two-day event in Auckland, covering a total of ten cities.
November 5 is expected to draw the largest crowds when the Trophy Tour arrives in Wellington, home to two of New Zealand’s biggest cricket stars— Sophie Devine and Melie Kerr. In her last T20I as captain, Devine led the team to glory, overcoming an 11-match losing streak leading to the World Cup and also set the stage with a crucial half-century against India in their World Cup opener. Meanwhile, Melie Kerr, likely to be appointed as the new T20I captain, was named the player of the tournament and the final for her outstanding performances with both bat and ball.
NZC General Manager Marketing Communications, Stacey Geraghty on the Trophy Tour shared, “The World Cup win is without a doubt a watershed moment for women’s cricket in this country and we’re determined to make the most of it. Based on the amount of excitement back here in New Zealand following the win, we’re expecting the public to get out in force to celebrate with the team, in the same way Kiwis supported the BLACKCAPS during their ICC World Test Championship Mace tour in 2021.
“The public events will allow fans to get up close and personal with their heroes, get photos and signatures, and of course get a snap with the trophy. The WHITE FERNS are really excited about the tour and the chance to inspire the next generation as well as connect with fans of all ages, and say thanks to the New Zealand public for all the support.”
The 2024-25 international home season for the New Zealand women’s team kicks off on December 19 against Australia. It has been announced that the T20 World Cup trophy will be on display at all the women’s team matches throughout the summer, which will feature bilaterals against Australia and Sri Lanka.
T20 World Cup Trophy Tour:
Saturday, November 2 – Dunedin
Sunday, November 3 – Timaru & Christchurch
Monday, November 4 – Nelson
Tuesday, November 5 – Wellington & Palmerston North
Wednesday, November 6 – Napier & Havelock North
Thursday, November 7 – Hamilton
Friday, November 8 – Auckland
Sunday, November 10 – Auckland
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket media release)
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