New Zealand's women’s cricket team has bolstered its lineup for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in the UAE with the return of fast bowler Rosemary Mair, who is back from a back injury that sidelined her during the home series against England in March. Notably, captain Sophie Devine and veteran Suzie Bates are set to take part in their ninth T20 World Cup, a historic achievement as they’ll have featured in every edition of the tournament.
Mair, with 18 wickets from 24 T20 Internationals, enhances a strong pace attack that includes experienced bowlers Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold. Bates and Brooke Halliday also add versatility as fast-bowling allrounders, while the spin department is reinforced with talents like Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson. The squad brings considerable experience, with wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze being the sole player without T20 World Cup experience.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his enthusiasm for the lineup, stating, “I’m delighted with this squad; I believe we have our best 15 players who can adapt to the diverse conditions we anticipate. Soph [Devine] and Suze [Bates] provide invaluable experience from previous World Cups and franchise leagues, and we aim to harness their expertise in what promises to be a fiercely competitive tournament.”
Mair's recovery is a positive sign for the team as they prepare for a series of warm-up matches, including three T20Is against Australia on September 19, 22, and 24 in Mackay and Brisbane. They will also face South Africa and England in warm-up games on September 29 and October 1, respectively. New Zealand will kick off their World Cup campaign with a match against India on October 4, sharing the group with Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. This tournament will be particularly significant as it marks Devine's final appearance as the T20I captain for New Zealand.
New Zealand squad for women's T20 World Cup 2024
Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu