Devine, Bates set for 9th consecutive Women's T20 World Cup

New Zealand, on September 10 (Tuesday), named their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Skipper Sophie Devine, who will step down as captain at the end of the tournament, will play her ninth straight T20 World Cup, along with Suzie Bates, who has also played every single edition of the tournament since its inception in 2009.

Devine says she is looking forward to the opportunity to lead the White Ferns in the tournament. “The T20 World Cup’s been an important vehicle in the development and growth of the women’s game, and it’s a real privilege to think I’ve played in it since it started.

 “I’m really looking forward to another opportunity to compete against world-class teams that are all vying to take home the trophy.”

Leigh Kasperek will bolster the spin attack with fellow spinners Amelia Kerr, Fran Jonas and Eden Carson. Fast bowler Rosemary Mair returns to the squad after recovering from the back injury she sustained during the series against England.

“Rosemary’s had an unfortunate run with injury over the past few months, and she’s worked hard to be fit for this tournament," White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer said.

 “She’s proved herself as one of our key pace options, and we’re excited she’s returning.”

Wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze is the only player in the squad with no prior T20 World Cup experience. Sawyer also added that he is extremely pleased with the squad he has at his disposal for the marquee event, which is set to get underway on October 3 in the UAE.

“Congratulations to all of the players named in this squad, it’s a significant achievement to be selected to represent your country at a World Cup,” Sawyer said.

“I’m really pleased with this squad, I think these are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions.

“Soph and Suze have a huge amount of tournament experience from World Cups to franchise leagues, so we’ll certainly be leaning on that knowledge in what’s going to be a pretty intense competition.”

New Zealand will be in Group A along with India, Pakistan, Australia and Sri Lanka.

They will play warm-up games against South Africa and England before kickstarting their campaign against India on October 4. As preparation for the World Cup, the squad will play three T20Is against Australia, starting September 16, in Mackay and Brisbane.

New Zealand squad for Women's T20 World Cup 2024: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

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