New Zealand has included pacer Rosemary Mair and off-spinner Leigh Kasperek in their 15-member squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which will be held in the UAE.
Mair, who missed the ODI leg of England's tour of New Zealand earlier this year due to a back injury, makes her return to the squad after recovering. Kasperek, who rejoined the New Zealand team during the T20I leg of the same tour, will add depth to the team’s spin attack. This World Cup will be her fourth appearance in the tournament.
Sophie Devine, who will step down as T20I captain after the World Cup, and former skipper Suzie Bates, are both set to compete in their ninth consecutive T20 World Cup, having participated in every edition since the first in 2009. The squad is otherwise experienced, with wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze being the only player yet to play in a T20 World Cup.
Reflecting on her long-standing involvement in the tournament, Devine said the T20 World Cup has been instrumental in the growth of women’s cricket and she’s excited for the opportunity to compete once again at the highest level. “It’s a real privilege to think I’ve been part of this tournament since it began,” Devine remarked.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his confidence in the squad, stating that the 15 selected players are well-equipped to handle the varied conditions they might encounter. He highlighted the experience of players like Devine and Bates, whose knowledge from World Cups and franchise leagues will be crucial in what promises to be a highly competitive tournament. Sawyer also praised Mair for her hard work in recovering from injury, noting her importance as one of New Zealand’s key pace options.
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
Before heading to the World Cup, the team will play a three-match T20I series against Australia from September 19 to 24. New Zealand is placed in Group A at the World Cup, along with defending champions Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Their campaign begins with warm-up matches against South Africa and England, followed by their first group match against India on October 4.