GNP: New Zealand have unveiled their squad for the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, a tournament that will mark the end of the international careers of Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu.
The announcement was made on Wednesday (April 29), confirming that star all-rounder Sophie Devine and experienced fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will retire from international cricket after the event. Both players had already stepped away from ODIs, while Suzie Bates had earlier declared that the T20 World Cup would be her final appearance for New Zealand.
Head coach Ben Sawyers described the moment as significant for the team. “It’s rare and special to see three of our most senior players finishing their careers at the same tournament,” he said. “Each of them has had an outstanding career and contributed immensely to this team and to the game overall.”
He added that while there will be time to celebrate their achievements after the tournament, the players are currently focused on delivering strong performances in their final campaign.
The squad also features fresh faces, with Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp earning their maiden T20 World Cup selections. Patel, a 23-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, made her international debut earlier this year and will now feature in her first major ICC event. Sharp, who has represented New Zealand in six ODIs and 11 T20Is, also secures her first spot in a T20 World Cup squad.
New Zealand head into the tournament with momentum, having recently secured a 4-1 victory in a five-match T20I series against South Africa. The squad includes five changes from the team that won the previous edition of the tournament.
New Zealand Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad
Amelia 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.
