New Zealand Women have named a 15-player squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, blending proven match-winners with promising newcomers as they prepare to defend the title they won last year. The announcement carries added poignancy as three long-serving figures—Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates—are set to retire from international cricket after the tournament concludes.
Squad announcement and leadership
Melie Kerr will captain the side, providing continuity as New Zealand look to replicate their 2024 success. Ten members from the title-winning squad earned selection again, keeping the spine of the team intact for the campaign ahead.
Devine and Tahuhu had already stepped away from ODIs earlier this year, and they have now confirmed that this Women’s T20 World Cup will also be the end of their T20I careers. Bates, one of New Zealand’s most decorated international players, will likewise bring the curtain down on her overall international journey following the event.
New faces and rising talent
Alongside the experienced core, selectors have added fresh options to the squad. Two uncapped players—Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp—have been called up for the World Cup.
Patel, an off-spinning all-rounder, has made the transition quickly. Her domestic performances earned her a chance at international level earlier this year against Zimbabwe, where she made an immediate impact, taking 3/8 in just her second appearance.
Sharp, aged 21, is the youngest member of the group and one of its most exciting prospects. She previously captained New Zealand’s Under-19 team at the inaugural Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup in 2023. Since making her senior debut in 2025, she has settled into top-level cricket smoothly, and her recent form has stood out—finishing as Canterbury’s leading run-scorer in the latest Super Smash season.
Spin and bowling structure
Kerr, who was central to New Zealand’s 2024 triumph with a tournament-high haul of 15 wickets and Player of the Tournament honours, is expected to spearhead the spin department. She will be supported by Bates, left-arm spinner Flora Devonshire and Patel, giving the team multiple spin options across different match situations.
Group 2 opponents and schedule
Drawn in Group 2, New Zealand will play England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies during the league stage. Their tournament begins with a clash against the West Indies in Hampshire on June 14, following warm-up matches against Bangladesh and South Africa in Loughborough.
- Warm-up fixtures: New Zealand face Bangladesh and South Africa in Loughborough.
- Tournament opener: New Zealand take on the West Indies in Hampshire on June 14.
New Zealand squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup
- Melie Kerr (c)
- 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
- Lea Tahuhu
