Defending champions New Zealand name T20 World Cup squad

A total of 10 players that featured in New Zealand's title winning run at the last ICC Women's T20 World Cup have been included in the White Ferns' squad of 15 for the upcoming tournament in England and Wales.

The defending champions became the second side to reveal their squad for the T20 World Cup on Wednesday, with star all-rounder Melie Kerr to lead the side after she recently took over from long-time skipper Sophie Devine.

Tickets for ICC Women's World Cup 2026

The Kiwis' squad has a good mix of experience and youth, with veterans Suzie Bates and Devine to appear at their 10th T20 World Cup as newcomers Nensi Patel and batter Izzy Sharp are welcomed into the fold for their first experience at the ICC tournament. First-choice spinner Eden Carson misses out on selection due to her long-term elbow injury.

Bates announced last week that the T20 World Cup will be her final swansong in international cricket and New Zealand confirmed on Wednesday that Lea Tahuhu and Devine will also bow out following the completion of the tournament that commences on June 12.

New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer paid tribute to the careers of Bates, Devine and Tahuhu and believes the trio will be highly motivated to end their international careers on a high.

“To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion," Sawyer said.

“All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and given so much to this team and the game in general.

“There’ll be a time at the end of the tournament to further acknowledge and celebrate the trio and I know at present they’re very focussed on performing well in their final mission with the team."

New Zealand will feature in Group 2 at the T20 World Cup and will face fixtures against England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka and the West Indies prior to the knockout stages.

Sawyer is expecting a highly competitive tournament in England and Wales, but thinks his team is well placed to reach the pointy end.

“I believe we’ve landed on a well-balanced squad that features a mix of experience and exciting young talent," Sawyer added.

“We’ve worked really hard over the past 12 months to develop our batting depth in particular which we’ve seen bear fruit in our recent home series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

“With the ball our pace bowling attack are competing hard for spots in the XI which is a great place to be from a depth perspective.”

New Zealand squad: 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

Click here to read article