Devine and Bates set for ninth consecutive T20 World Cup

Later this month, in the United Arab Emirates, Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will compete in their ninth ICC Women's T20 World Cup.

The seasoned pair, who have competed in every women's event since the competition's launch in 2009, were included in the 15-person WHITE FERNS team unveiled today by NZC President Lesley Murdoch.

At the end of the competition, Devine, the T20 captain, will stand down, but she expressed gratitude for having participated in each and every tournament.

"It is truly an honor to have participated in the T20 World Cup since its inception, as it has played a significant role in the advancement and expansion of women's cricket," stated Devine.

"I'm really excited for the next chance to play against elite teams that are all fighting for the championship."

Rosemary Mair, a pace bowler, rejoins the team after missing the June–July return tour due to a back ailment she suffered during the England home series.

She scored four goals for the runners-up in the Grand Final at Eden Park, demonstrating her importance to the Central Hinds 2023–24 Dream11 Super Smash campaign.

Leigh Kasperek, an off-spinner for the Wellington Blaze who will play in her fourth T20 World Cup, will support the spin assault along with Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson.

Izzy Gaze, the batter who keeps wickets, is the only member of the team without any ICC Women's T20 World Cup experience.

Being selected for a World Cup squad is a unique experience, according to head coach of the White Ferns Ben Sawyer.

Sawyer congratulated all of the players on being selected for this squad, saying that representing your country at a World Cup is a noteworthy accomplishment.

"I'm really happy with this team; I believe these are the top 15 players to adjust to the likely unpredictable conditions." 

Sawyer stated that it will be helpful that Devine and Bates have extensive tournament experience.

"We'll definitely be depending on Spof and Suze's vast tournament experience, from World Cups to franchise leagues, in what promises to be a pretty intense competition."

Sawyer expressed his happiness at Mair's return to the team.

"Rosemary has worked really hard to be fit for this tournament despite an unfortunate sequence of injuries over the past few months.

"We are thrilled that she is coming back; she has established herself as one of our primary pace options."

Sophie Devine (C) 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

In addition to NZC High Performance Talent & Pathways coach Paul Wiseman, who will concentrate on spin bowling, Sawyer will receive assistance from regular batting coach Dean Brownlie and associate coach Craig McMillan.

Group A comprises Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, together with the White Ferns.

Before their first Group Match against India on October 4, they will play two warm-up matches against South Africa and England.  

In order to prepare for the competition, the team leaves on September 16 to play three Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) against Australia in Mackay and Brisbane.

Sky Sport in New Zealand will televise the ICC T20 World Cup and the WHITE FERNS tour to Australia. Watch live scoring at nzc.nz and on the NZC App.
Australian tour of WHITE FERNS

First T20I at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Thursday, September 19, at 9:10 p.m. NZT

Second T20I in Mackay's Great Barrier Reef Arena on Sunday, September 22, at 9.10 p.m. NZT

Third T20I at Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Tuesday, September 24, at 9.10 p.m. NZT

Schedule for the ICC T20 World Cup, White Ferns

Warm-Up Games

vs South Africa at The Sevens Stadium on Sunday, September 29, at 3 a.m. NZT+1

vs. England – Tuesday, October 1, ICC Academy Ground No. 2, 3 a.m. NZT+1

Group Games

Friday, October 4, 3 a.m. NZT+1, Dubai International Stadium vs. India

vs Australia at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 8, at 3 a.m. NZT+1

vs. Sri Lanka at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday, October 12, at 11 p.m. NZT

vs. Pakistan - Dubai International Stadium, Monday, October 14, 3 a.m. NZT+1