Lea Tahuhu of the White Ferns arrives home in Christchurch after lifting the T20 World Cup in Dubai. Photo: Tim Brown / RNZ
The world champion White Ferns have been welcomed home by whānau, friends and more than 100 fans.
Fresh off their 32-run win over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, the team went on to play three ODIs against India.
The team was greeted by applause and cheers as they arrived at Christchurch International Airport on Friday afternoon.
Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Young fans got a chance to put questions to the team at a Q&A afterwards.
"You are my idol - who are your heroes?" Teagan, from South East Ōtautahi, asked.
"My idol is sitting up here with me," White Ferns spin ace Eden Carson responded.
"Suzie Bates. Suzie coached me 10 years ago now, I've been able to have her as a coach and then play with her in the [Otago] Sparks and then now to be able to represent New Zealand alongside her is pretty cool."
The White Ferns celebrate their World Cup win, back home in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Bates said the enormity of what the team achieved had only sunk in as they arrived home to supporters and loved ones.
It was the first time New Zealand had won a white ball tournament since 2000, when the White Ferns claimed the World Cup and the Black Caps took home the Knock-Out Cup.
"It's probably the first time it's really sunk in today and seeing all the young girls and boys wanting to get autographs," Bates said.
"That's what it's all about. When I was young I loved watching the White Ferns and Black Caps.
"It's pretty awesome to be a world champion and every time I hear that you have to pinch yourself. I think the next few days being back at home and celebrating with all the young fans is going to make it all the more special."
More than 100 whānau and friends greeted the team. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
Despite the team posting 158 in their 20 overs, Bates said it was not until the final over of South Africa's chase that the win became clear.
"I remember with eight balls to go Melie [Kerr] came past and said 'Make sure you enjoy this' - I didn't quite then. But in the last over every ball Eden bowled I looked at Sophie [Devine] with a slightly bigger smile knowing we were close, but it wasn't until that last ball that I really let myself enjoy it. And to be next to Sophie - that's something I'll never forget, to have that moment together and finally get that world cup that we've been chasing for so many years."
Home town hero Lea Tahuhu said it was surreal.
"It took a little while to sink in, it still hasn't really sunk in ... but it's just something you dream of achieving and when a dream like that comes true, you're left speechless."
The team would now embark on a nationwide Trophy Tour, starting in Dunedin on Saturday.
Georgie Plimmer. Photo: Tim Brown / RNZ
The White Ferns arrive home in Christchurch after lifting the T20 World Cup in Dubai. Photo: Tim Brown / RNZ
