New Zealand has unveiled a 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. The team will bid farewell to experienced players Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu, and Suzie Bates post the tournament. Led by Melie Kerr, the squad includes ten members from the victorious 2024 campaign.
The impending retirement of the three seasoned campaigners adds significance to the tournament for New Zealand. Devine and Tahuhu had earlier retired from ODI cricket and will now conclude their T20I careers. Bates, a celebrated player, will retire from international cricket after the event.
Among the fresh faces, Nensi Patel, an off-spinning all-rounder, and young batter Izzy Sharp have earned spots in the squad. Patel’s impressive performances in domestic and international matches have been rewarded. Sharp, the youngest member at 21, has shown promise since her debut in 2025.
The team, which includes debutants like Bree Illing and Polly Inglis, will prepare for the tournament with a T20I series against England in May. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad’s balance and emphasized the importance of the moment for both new and departing players.
