New Zealand Women T20 World Cup 2026 Squad: Full Team List, Schedule, Fixtures and Retirement Updates

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has announced its 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is scheduled to take place in England and Wales in June and July. Senior players Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu will retire after the tournament, joining Suzie Bates in stepping 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 that this will be her “one final mission,” while Sophie Devine (36) and Lea Tahuhu (35) will retire after the upcoming tournament, marking a significant transition period for New Zealand cricket.

New Zealand Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 Squad Announced

The New Zealand women's national cricket team squad blends experience with fresh talent. Captain Amelia Kerr will lead a balanced unit that includes senior players like Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu, and Suzie Bates, who guided the team to a title two years ago.

Selectors have picked Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp for their first World Cup after strong domestic performances. Izzy Sharp led New Zealand at the Under-19 World Cup, while Nensi Patel impressed immediately after making her international debut earlier this year.

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New Zealand squad for the women's T20 World Cup:

Amelia Kerr (capt), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (wk), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp (wk), Lea Tahuhu

Everyone Can't Wait to Get on the Plane - Ben Sawyer

Ben Sawyer said the squad reflects a strong mix of experience and youth, with new players adapting well and the team eager for the tournament. He emphasized the importance of representing the country and expressed confidence within the group heading into the World Cup.

"Any time you're chosen to represent your country on the world stage it's an honour, but World Cups hold an elevated level of importance and I'm certain everyone can't wait to get on the plane," Ben Sawyer, the New Zealand head coach, said in a statement.

"It's going to be an extra special time for Izzy and Nensi with it being their first World Cup. They've comfortably taken to international cricket this summer and should both have confidence heading into this next challenge."

A Rare and Special Occasion - Ben Sawyer

Ben Sawyer described the retirement of three senior players as a rare moment and emphasized that they remain focused on performing well. He also highlighted the team’s strong recent form and outlined their upcoming fixtures as they prepare for the World Cup.

"To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion," Sawyer said. "All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and given so much to this team and the game in general.

"There'll be a time at the end of the tournament to further acknowledge and celebrate the trio and I know at present they're very focussed on performing well in their final mission with the team."

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