Photo Credit: New Zealand Cricket
WHITE FERNS head coach Ben Sawyer will have the chance to add to his recent ICC T20 World Cup success after being reappointed for two more years.
The extension means Sawyer will remain at the helm of the WHITE FERNS until December 2026, a period that includes the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India, and a title defence at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
Sawyer, whose reappointment follows an extensive review process, first joined the WHITE FERNS on a two-year contract in June 2022, which was extended until the end of October’s tour to India.
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green said it was important Sawyer had a chance to build on the good work already underway.
“We’re so pleased to have Ben sign on for another two years,” said Green.
“He’s unlocked a lot of belief and trust in this group and to have him stay now is massive, both for the current squad, and the long-term planning for the WHITE FERNS.
“The consistency and stability is important.”
Green said she was optimistic about the continued growth of the WHITE FERNS under Sawyer’s leadership.
“Ben’s played a big part in progressing the WHITE FERNS and helping build the women’s pathway.
“Many of our young players who made their international debut on Ben’s first tour two years ago are starting to thrive, as we saw in the recent T20 World Cup.
“There was a huge amount of growth during that tournament, a result of what Ben and the coaches have been building over the last two years.”
WHITE FERNS captain Sophie Devine said Sawyer’s reappointment would provide stability.
“I’m stoked Ben’s re-signed with us,” said Devine.
“The work he’s done with the WHITE FERNS group and for women’s cricket in New Zealand has been huge.
“The team is in a great spot right now so I think locking him in for another two years and having that consistency will be big for us.”
The squad to take on Australia in the three-match ODI series at Wellington’s Cello Basin reserve will be named later this week.
The highly anticipated Rose Bowl series on December 19, 21, and 23 is set to garner record crowds for the WHITE FERNS.
Since announcing that the 1st ODI will be Free Entry, NZC has seen a surge in ticket reservations for the match.
The newly crowned ICC T20 World Champions will display their World Cup trophy at the upcoming matches, giving fans the chance to see it up close and capture photos.
Matches will be live-scored at nzc.nz and the NZC App, and broadcast live free-to-air on TVNZ+, DUKE and Sport Nation.
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Name of Author: New Zealand Cricket
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.
