New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. June and July in England and Wales. Senior players Sophie Devine and Lee Tahuhu will retire after this tournamentJoined Suzie Bates in moving away from international cricket.
Amelia Kerr will lead the defending champions at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Suzie Bates confirmed earlier this month it would be her “one final mission”, while Sophie Devine (36) and Lee Tahuhu (35) will retire after the upcoming tournament, marking a crucial transition period for New Zealand cricket.
New Zealand Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad announced
The New Zealand women’s national cricket team has a mix of new talent with experience. Captain Amelia Kerr will lead a balanced unit that includes senior players like Sophie Devine, Lee Tahuhu and Suzie Bates, who led the team to the title two years ago.
The selectors have picked Nancy Patel and Izzy Sharp for their World Cup debuts after strong domestic performances. Izzy Sharp led New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup, while Nancy Patel impressed immediately after making her international debut earlier this year.
New Zealand squad for Women’s T20 World Cup:
Amelia Kerr (captain), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nancy Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp (wk), Lee Tahuhu.
| ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 – New Zealand Women Schedule | |||
|
date |
match | venue | Time |
| 13-June-26 | West Indies Women vs New Zealand Women | southampton | 11:00 PM |
| 16-June-26 | NZ Women vs SL Women | southampton | 7:00 pm |
| 19-June-26 | IRE Women vs NZ Women | southampton | 11:00 PM |
| 23-June-26 | New Zealand Women vs SCO Women | bristol | 3:00 pm |
| 27-June-26 | England Women vs New Zealand Women | Oval | 11:00 PM |
Everybody can’t wait to get on the plane – Ben Sawyer
Ben Sawyer said the team represents a strong mix of experience and youth, the new players are adapting well and the team is looking forward to the tournament. He stressed the importance of representing the country and expressed confidence within the group going into the World Cup.
“It’s an honor any time you are selected to represent your country on the world stage, but the importance of the World Cup is so high and I’m sure everyone can’t wait to get on the plane,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said in a statement.
“It’s going to be an extra special time for Izzy and Nancy as it is their first World Cup. They have eased into international cricket this summer and should both be confident for this next challenge.”
A Rare and Special Occasion – Ben Sawyer
Ben Sawyer described the retirement of three senior players as a rare moment and stressed that they remain focused on performing well. He also highlighted the team’s recent strong form and outlined their upcoming fixtures in preparation for the World Cup.
“To have our three most senior players finish their careers in the same tournament is a rare and special opportunity,” Sawyer said. “All three have had exceptional careers in their own right and have given so much to this team and the game.
“The end of the tournament will be a time to further acknowledge and celebrate this trio and I know they are currently very focused on performing well in their final mission with the team.”
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