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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on April 29 announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 which is scheduled to take place on England soil. Three veterans — Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu and Suzie Bates — who led White Ferns to the title win in the previous edition, are set to retire after the tournament.
Amelia Kerr will lead the White Ferns squad which also includes Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp. It will be two youngsters' maiden World Cup appearances. Bree Illing and Polly Inglis have made it to the squad as well.
New Zealand’s squad for Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Amelia Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu.
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New Zealand have been in fine form of late, winning seven out of last eight T20Is. White Ferns' head coach Ben Sawyer said that he is sure that everyone can't wait to land on England soil for title defense.
"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," Sawyer said.
"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."
New Zealand head coach on senior trio’s retirement
Sawyer said that it will be a rare and special occasion with three senior players retiring after the tournament.
"To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion. All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and given so much to this team and the game in general,” Sawyer said.
"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," she added.
New Zealand’s opening encounter
New Zealand have bene played in Group B alongside England, Scotland, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Ireland. They will begin their campaign against West Indies on June 13 at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
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