Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket
Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set to play in their ninth ICC Women’s T20 World Cup later this month, in the United Arab Emirates.
The experienced duo, who have featured in every edition of the women’s event since its inception in 2009, were named in a 15-strong WHITE FERNS squad revealed today by NZC President Lesley Murdoch.
Devine, who is stepping down as T20 captain at the conclusion of the tournament, said she feels fortunate to have played in every installment of the event.
“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,” said Devine.
“I’m really looking forward to another opportunity to compete against world-class teams that are all vying to take home the trophy.”
Pace-bowler Rosemary Mair returns to the squad following a back injury sustained during the England home series, which ruled her out of the return tour in June-July.
She was a key figure in the Central Hinds 2023-24 Dream11 Super Smash campaign, taking four for five for the runners-up in the Grand Final at Eden Park.
Wellington Blaze off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will bolster the spin attack, set to take part in her fourth T20 World Cup, alongside fellow spinners Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas and Eden Carson.
Wicket-keeper batter Izzy Gaze is the only squad member without ICC Women’s T20 World Cup experience.
WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer said being included in a World Cup squad is a special occasion.
“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,” said Sawyer.
“I’m really pleased with this squad, I think these are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions.”
Sawyer said Devine and Bates’ depth of tournament experience will be advantageous.
“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.”
Sawyer said he was delighted to have Mair back in the squad.
“Rosemary’s had an unfortunate run with injury over the past few months and she’s worked hard to be fit for this tournament.
“She’s proved herself as one of our key pace options and we’re excited she’s returning.”
WHITE FERNS ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Squad
Sophie Devine (C) Wellington Blaze
Suzie Bates Otago Sparks
Eden Carson Otago Sparks
Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts
Fran Jonas Auckland Hearts
Leigh Kasperek Wellington Blaze
Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze
Rosemary Mair Central Hinds
Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts
Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze
Hannah Rowe Central Hinds
Lea Tahuhu Canterbury Magicians
Sawyer will be supported by regular batting coach Dean Brownlie and assistant coach Craig McMillan, with NZC High Performance Talent & Pathways coach Paul Wiseman providing a focus on spin bowling.
The WHITE FERNS are joined in Group A with Australia, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
They will play two warm-up matches against South Africa and England ahead of their first Group Match against India on October 4.
The squad departs on September 16 to play three T20Is against Australia in Mackay and Brisbane in preparation for the tournament.
The WHITE FERNS tour to Australia and ICC T20 World Cup will be broadcast in New Zealand on Sky Sport. Follow live scoring on the NZC App and at nzc.nz
WHITE FERNS tour to Australia
1st T20I – Thursday 19 September 9.10pm NZT – Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
2nd T20I – Sunday 22 September 9.10pm NZT – Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
3rd T20I – Tuesday 24 September 9.10pm NZT – Allan Border Field, Brisbane
WHITE FERNS ICC T20 World Cup schedule
Warm-up Matches
v South Africa – Sunday 29 September 3am NZT +1 day – The Sevens Stadium
v England – Tuesday 1 October 3am NZT +1 day – ICC Academy Ground No 2
Group Matches
v India – Friday 4 October 3am NZT +1 day – Dubai International Stadium
v Australia – Tuesday 8 October 3am NZT +1 day – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
v Sri Lanka – Saturday 12 October 11pm NZT – Sharjah Cricket Stadium
v Pakistan – Monday 14 October 3am NZT +1 day – Dubai International Stadium
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Stay ahead of the latest cricket industry trends by subscribing to our free cricexc “daily briefing” newsletter.
The New Zealand national cricket team, known as the Black Caps, made their Test debut in 1930 against England in Christchurch, becoming the fifth nation to play Test cricket. After waiting 26 years for their first Test win against the West Indies in 1956, they also played their first ODI in 1972–73 against Pakistan. New Zealand are the inaugural World Test Championship champions (2021) and have won the ICC Champions Trophy (2000). They have reached the Cricket World Cup final twice and the T20 World Cup final once.
