New Zealand batter bids goodbye to third-longest ODI career ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

New Zealand batter Suzie Bates bid goodbye to ODI cricket with a win over England in the third and final ODI of the series. New Zealand were able to draw the series 1-1 in a rain-curtailed affair at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. Bates couldn't do much in the run chase but she retired from ODIs with the third-longest career in women’s ODIs.

Suzie made her ODI debut on March 4, 2006 against India. On May 16, she received a standing ovation from the crowd after falling for a 15-ball 12 to Lauren Bell.

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Suzie's ODI career spanned 20 years and 73 days. She played 184 ODIs. The record for longest women's ODI career belongs to former India captain Mithali Raj who played 232 games in 22 years and 274 days of ODI career. She is followed by legendary Indian pacer who played 204 games in 20 years and 261 days.

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No fairytale ending for Suzie

New Zealand skipper Melie Kerr won the toss and opted to bowl first. In the 33 overs per side game, England managed to post 181/7. Bree Illing and Rosemary Mair claimed two wickets each. For the hosts, Alice Capsey was the top run-scorer with a run-a-ball 45.

Bell struck early with the new ball. She dismissed Bates, Georgia Plimmer and Melie. Maddy Green and Brooke Halliday shared a 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket to stabilise the run chase. Brooke and Isabella Gaze carried forward the momentum. White Ferns were 141/4 when rain interrupted again. As per DLS method, the visitors were 17 runs ahead of the DLS par score. The game couldn’t resume and New Zealand ended up winning the game by 17 runs as per DLS method.

Cricket Gods favoured New Zealand

"The cricket Gods looked after us, winning the toss and getting the win. We're the lucky ones to have seen the impact she's had on the group, every player growing up looked up to Suzie, she'll be an incredible loss when she finally steps away," New Zealand skipper said after the win.

Suzie’s ODI career

The 38-year-old retires as the fourth-highest run-scorer in women's ODIs. She could not become the third batter to complete 6,000 runs in women's ODIs. From 174 innings, she scored 5,982 runs at an average of 37.86. She scored 13 centuries and 37 fifties.

Suzie will also bid goodbye to her T20I career after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England which kicks off on June 12.