New Zealand women’s cricket is set to mark a major turning point at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, with Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu joining Suzie Bates in stepping away from international cricket after the tournament. The announcement, made on Wednesday, April 29, confirms a 15-member White Ferns squad that blends experienced campaigners with fresh faces, including Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp, who will both be making their first World Cup appearances.
The squad is led by Melie Kerr, named as captain, and also features Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp and Lea Tahuhu. For Kerr, the focus is on sustaining momentum as the defending champions, while the rest of the group carries a mix of roles built around their strengths across recent formats.
Amelia Kerr’s side includes Bree Illing and Polly Inglis, both of whom have already been part of the ODI World Cup setup but will get their first taste of the T20 World Cup. Sharp, who captained New Zealand at the Under-19 Women’s World Cup in 2023, earned her senior debut last year and now takes the next step on the biggest global stage. Patel’s selection follows strong domestic performances earlier in the year, with her call-up coming as a reward for her consistent output.
For Bates and Devine, the 2026 tournament will be their tenth appearance in the competition, beginning with the inaugural edition back in 2009. With the tournament also set to be the final international assignment for all three—Bates, Devine and Tahuhu—the campaign carries the weight of a collective farewell for a core group that has defined New Zealand’s modern era in the format.
Speaking about the trio ahead of what could prove to be their last World Cup together, head coach Ben Sawyer described it as a rare moment for the team. He said it is unusual to have three of the most senior players finish their careers at the same tournament, adding that each has enjoyed a distinguished journey and contributed significantly to the side and to the game overall. Sawyer also noted that there will be time to properly recognise and celebrate them at the end of the competition, while stressing that, for now, their attention remains firmly on delivering in their final mission.
Placed in Group 2, New Zealand will start their title defence against the West Indies on June 14 in Southampton.
