New Zealand has included pacer Rosemary Mair and off-spinner Leigh Kasperek in their 15-player squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the UAE.
Player Updates
- Rosemary Mair: Mair suffered a back injury during the T20I series against England in New Zealand in March 2024. This injury kept her out of the ODIs and the return tour in June-July. Despite this setback, she has been named in the World Cup squad.
- Leigh Kasperek: Kasperek returned to the New Zealand team during the T20I series in England earlier this year after a one-year absence. She will strengthen the team’s spin options at the World Cup, which will be her fourth T20 World Cup appearance.
Key Players
- Sophie Devine: Devine, who will step down as T20I captain after the tournament, and former captain Suzie Bates are set to participate in their ninth consecutive T20 World Cup. Both have been part of every edition since the inaugural tournament in 2009.
- Suzie Bates: Bates will continue her T20 World Cup journey alongside Devine.
Squad Details
The squad is largely made up of experienced players, with only one newcomer, wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze, who has yet to play in a T20 World Cup.
Coach’s Comments
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his satisfaction with the squad, stating, “I’m really pleased with this squad; these are our best 15 players for the varying conditions we expect.” He also highlighted the extensive experience of Devine and Bates, which will be crucial in the upcoming tournament. Sawyer acknowledged Mair’s efforts to recover from her injury and is excited about her return.
ALSO READ: Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul Return to India’s Test Squad; Yash Dayal Set for Debut
New Zealand Squad
- Sophie Devine (C)
- Suzie Bates
- Eden Carson
- Izzy Gaze (wk)
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Fran Jonas
- Leigh Kasperek
- Jess Kerr
- Melie Kerr
- Rosemary Mair
- Molly Penfold
- Georgia Plimmer
- Hannah Rowe
- Lea Tahuhu
Upcoming Matches
New Zealand will play a three-match T20I series against Australia from September 19 to 24 before heading to the World Cup. In the World Cup, they are in Group A with Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They will have warm-up matches against South Africa and England and start their World Cup campaign against India on October 4.
READ MORE:
