Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates Set to Create History as New Zealand Unveil T20 World Cup 2024 Squad
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| New Zealand will play against South Africa and England before the T20 World Cup / Getty Images |
New Zealand’s cricket icons Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set to make history as they prepare for their ninth consecutive appearance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.
The White Ferns announced a strong squad for the upcoming tournament, with Devine continuing as captain, determined to lead her team to their first T20 World Cup title after coming close in 2009 and 2010.
Devine and Bates, two of the most experienced players in the game, have been ever-present in every edition of the Women's T20 World Cup, and their inclusion will provide New Zealand with a wealth of experience and leadership. The squad also features familiar faces like Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr, and Maddy Green, alongside young talents ready to shine on the global stage.
Key Inclusions:
- Rosemary Mair returns to bolster the pace attack after recovering from a back injury, joining an impressive pace lineup that includes Jess Kerr, Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold.
- The spin department, crucial in UAE conditions, will be anchored by Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, and Fran Jonas, offering New Zealand flexibility in their bowling options.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the blend of experience and youth within the squad:
“We’ve selected our best 15 players to tackle the varied conditions we expect. With Sophie and Suzie’s vast tournament experience, we’ll be looking to them to lead from the front in what will be a high-pressure competition.”
New Zealand are placed in Group A, alongside Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, for the tournament, which starts in October. They will face South Africa and England in warm-up matches before their World Cup campaign begins.
New Zealand Squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024:
Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
New Zealand's fans will be hoping that the experienced duo of Devine and Bates can finally help the White Ferns lift the elusive T20 World Cup trophy.