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 on Tuesday by New Zealand Cricket.
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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 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.”
Sawyer will be supported by regular batting coach Dean Brownlie and assistant coach Craig McMillan, with NZC high performance talent and 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.
WHITE FERNS ICC WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP SQUAD
Sophie Devine (captain) 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
WHITE FERNS SCHEDULE
Tour to Australia
1st T20I: Thursday, September 19, 9.10pm NZT, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
2nd T20I: Sunday, September 22, 9.10pm NZT, Great Barrier Reef Arena, Mackay
3rd T20I: Tuesday, September 24, 9.10pm NZT, Allan Border Field, Brisbane
ICC Women's T20 World Cup warm-up matches
vs South Africa: Sunday, September 29, 3am NZT, The Sevens Stadium
vs England: Tuesday, October 1, 3am NZT, ICC Academy Ground No 2
ICC Women's T20 World Cup group matches
vs India: Friday, October 4, 3am NZT, Dubai International Stadium
vs Australia: Tuesday, October 8, 3am NZT, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
vs Sri Lanka: Saturday, October 12, 11pm NZT, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
vs Pakistan: Monday October 14, 3am NZT, Dubai International Stadium