Suzie Bates, will be joining Sophie Devine in playing her ninth T20 World Cup.
New Zealand’s squad for the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup boasts a mix of experience and youth, with several key players set to play pivotal roles in their campaign. Led by Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, both playing in their ninth T20 World Cup, the team has a strong foundation. The return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair adds firepower to the pace attack, while the spin department also offers depth. Here’s a look at the key players to watch as New Zealand aims to make an impact in the tournament.
Sophie Devine is undoubtedly one of the most experienced and impactful players in women’s cricket. As New Zealand’s captain, she will play a crucial role in both the leadership and on-field performances for the team. Known for her hard-hitting batting at the top of the order and her ability to bowl tight medium pace, Devine’s versatility makes her a key player for New Zealand.
Devine’s experience in international competitions and franchise leagues, such as the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), gives her a deep understanding of various playing conditions. This will be her ninth T20 World Cup, and she will be looking to guide her team with both her bat and tactical nous. With Devine set to step down as T20I captain after this tournament, she will be eager to finish on a high note.
New Zealand’s captain, Devine will play a crucial role in both the leadership and on-field performances for the team // Picture Courtesy — NewsBytes
Another stalwart of New Zealand cricket, Suzie Bates, will be joining Devine in playing her ninth T20 World Cup. Bates has been a consistent performer for the White Ferns over the years and is one of the most experienced batters in the women’s game. Her ability to anchor innings and build partnerships makes her an essential player in the New Zealand lineup.
Bates’ extensive experience, having played across multiple World Cups and T20 leagues, will be vital in navigating tough matches, especially in the UAE, where conditions can be tricky. Her partnership with Devine at the top of the order is likely to set the tone for New Zealand’s batting efforts throughout the tournament.
The return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair to the squad is a major boost for New Zealand. Mair has recovered from a back injury that sidelined her during their series against England earlier this year. With 18 wickets from 24 T20Is, Mair’s ability to swing the ball and generate pace makes her a key component of New Zealand’s bowling attack.
Mair will lead a pace unit that also includes the experienced Lea Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, and Jess Kerr. Her return to fitness in time for the T20 World Cup adds depth to New Zealand’s bowling options. Given the conditions in the UAE, Mair’s ability to bowl with control and take early wickets will be crucial to the team’s success.
Amelia Kerr has grown into one of the most valuable all-rounders in women’s cricket. She is a versatile player who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball. Her leg-spin has often been a weapon for New Zealand in the middle overs, while her batting has added balance to the side, particularly in the lower middle order.
Kerr’s experience in various T20 leagues, including the WBBL, has honed her skills and adaptability. She can bowl in powerplay overs as well as in the middle stages, providing key breakthroughs. Her ability to finish innings with the bat makes her a dynamic player for New Zealand in this World Cup.
Amelia Kerr’s leg-spin has often been a weapon for New Zealand in the middle overs // Picture Courtesy — Mykhel
Lea Tahuhu brings pace, aggression, and experience to New Zealand’s bowling attack. A regular in New Zealand’s white-ball sides, Tahuhu’s ability to bowl with hostility and swing the new ball makes her a threat to opposition batters. Her experience in T20 cricket and her ability to execute yorkers at the death are assets the team will rely on.
Tahuhu has been a key part of the New Zealand bowling lineup for several years, and her presence adds strength to the pace department. Along with Mair and Rowe, she forms a potent pace trio that can trouble even the best batting line-ups in the tournament.
