New Zealand name experienced squad for Women’s T20 World Cup defence

WELLINGTON: New Zealand have announced a 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup, with Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu included for what coach Ben Sawyer described as their final mission before retirement.

The trio had already said they would step away from international cricket after the tournament, which will be held in England and Wales in June and July. The squad will be captained by all-rounder Amelia Kerr and includes 10 players who were part of New Zealand’s title-winning campaign in Dubai in 2024.

New Zealand won that tournament by defeating South Africa in the final after also overcoming India in the semi-final. Their triumph was seen as unexpected, particularly because they did not have to face Australia or England, who are widely regarded as the leading sides in women’s cricket. Australia were beaten by South Africa, while England lost to the West Indies.

Sawyer said the presence of Devine, Bates and Tahuhu in the squad gave the tournament added significance for the team.

He said "To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion. All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and given so much to this team and the game in general."

The coach also referred to the World Cup as their "final mission".

Amelia Kerr played a central role in New Zealand’s 2024 title success, taking 15 wickets and scoring 135 runs during the tournament. She now leads a side that Sawyer said has improved further over the past year.

According to Sawyer, New Zealand have won seven of their last eight T20 internationals and have posted totals of more than 190 on four occasions in that period. That marks a sharp turnaround from the period before the 2024 World Cup, when the White Ferns had lost 11 T20 matches in a row.

Sawyer said "I believe we've landed on a well-balanced squad that features a mix of experience and exciting young talent. We've worked really hard over the past 12 months to develop our batting depth in particular, which we've seen bear fruit in our recent home series against South Africa and Zimbabwe".

New Zealand have been drawn in a group with the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland and England.

Squad

The squad named by New Zealand is: Amelia Kerr (capt.), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp and Lea Tahuhu.

The selection keeps together a substantial core from the side that lifted the trophy in 2024, while also bringing in younger players as New Zealand prepare to defend their title in England and Wales.