The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) selectors have announced their 15-member squad for the 2024 Women’s Twenty20 (T20) World Cup, taking place from October 3 to 20 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The squad features a blend of seasoned players and emerging talents, with no bold calls despite a series of lackluster performances.
The Sophie Devine-led squad includes Suzie Bates, the leading WT20I run-scorer, with both players set for their ninth consecutive T20 World Cup appearance. Twenty-year-old keeper-batter Izzy Gaze is the only player poised for her T20 World Cup debut.
New Zealand’s squad for the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup:
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
Fit-again pace-bowling all-rounder Rosemary Mair returns to the squad after missing the recent series against England due to a back injury, with Mikaela Greig making way. This is the only change to their World Cup squad from their most recent series.
Rosemary’s return has bolstered New Zealand’s pace attack, which will be spearheaded by 88-T20I veteran Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr, along with Hannah Rowe, Sophie Devine, and Molly Penfold. Sophie will also provide vital contributions at the top of the batting order, while Rosemary, Jess, and Hannah can all be handy lower down the order.
Emerging spinners Fran Jonas and Eden Carson will be supported on the aiding UAE wickets by the experienced duo of Amelia Kerr and Leigh Kasperek. The variety in the spin attack, combined with the batting abilities of Amelia and Leigh, further strengthens the squad.
On the batting front, with veteran Suzie Bates leading from the top and experienced players Maddy Green and Sophie Devine in the middle order, the key will be for rookie talents Georgia Plimmer and Izzy Gaze to find their footing. Their ability to anchor and accelerate the innings will be crucial for the team’s success.
New Zealand has secured only one win in their last 10 T20Is, all of which were against England, and also suffered a historic loss to Pakistan on home soil late last year. They will want to set aside this record and rediscover their form as a unit in the 3-match T20I series against Australia later this month, leading up to the mega event.
Following their tour of Australia, New Zealand will play two warm-up games against England and South Africa in preparation for the World Cup in the UAE. Placed in Group A, they will start their campaign against India, followed by league matches against Sri Lanka, Australia, and Pakistan, eyeing a spot in the semi-finals.
