New Zealand announce squad for Women's T20 World Cup
Team New Zealand has announced its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, set to take place in the UAE. The team will be led by Sophie Devine, who is preparing to step down from her T20I captaincy post-tournament. Former captain Suzie Bates is also part of this experienced lineup, marking her ninth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance since the inaugural event in 2009.
Mair and Kasperek return to New Zealand's squad
The squad welcomes back pacer Rosemary Mair, who had been sidelined due to a back injury sustained during the T20I leg of England's tour of New Zealand in March. Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek also makes a comeback after a year, having marked her return during the T20I leg of New Zealand's trip to England. This will be Kasperek's fourth World Cup appearance, bolstering the team's spin department.
Gaze's debut campaign in T20 World Cup
The squad also includes a newcomer, wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who is the only member without any previous T20 World Cup experience. Despite this being her first time at such a prestigious event, Gaze's inclusion adds fresh energy to an otherwise seasoned team. The rest of the squad comprises familiar faces from past tournaments, providing a balance of experience and new talent for New Zealand's campaign.
Devine and Bates bring extensive experience to squad
Devine expressed her excitement about the upcoming tournament, stating that it's a real privilege to have participated in the T20 World Cup since its inception. She is looking forward to competing against world-class teams all vying for the trophy. Head coach Ben Sawyer also highlighted the significant tournament experience of Devine and Bates, indicating that their knowledge will be invaluable in what promises to be an intense competition.
New Zealand's upcoming T20I series and World Cup fixtures
Before heading to the World Cup, the same team will compete in a three-match WT20I series against Australia from September 19 to 24. In the World Cup, New Zealand are placed in Group A alongside defending champions Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They are scheduled to play warm-up matches against South Africa and England before launching their campaign against India on October 4.
New Zealand squad
Squad: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
