New Zealand's White Ferns Announce Squad for 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup

The New Zealand White Ferns have announced their squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England. This year's team features newcomers Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp, alongside veterans like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who are set to retire after the tournament. With a mix of fresh talent and experienced players, the squad aims to defend their title. Coach Ben Sawyer pays tribute to the retiring trio, emphasizing their significant contributions to the team. The White Ferns will compete in Group 2 against formidable opponents before the knockout stages. Read on for more details about the squad and tournament expectations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 08:43 IST

White Ferns Prepare for World Cup Defense

Nensi Patel, an off-spinning all-rounder, along with batter Izzy Sharp, has received their first call-up to the World Cup as part of the White Ferns team aiming to defend their title at the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, set to take place in England this June.

The squad, consisting of 15 players and captained by Melie Kerr, includes ten members from New Zealand's triumphant 2024 campaign. Notable players like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates will be participating in their tenth and final T20 World Cup, as reported by New Zealand Cricket.

Farewell to White Ferns Legends

Both Devine and Lea Tahuhu have announced that this World Cup will mark the end of their journeys with the White Ferns, concluding their T20 careers after having retired from ODI cricket earlier this season. They will conclude their careers in England alongside Bates, who revealed her retirement from international cricket following the tournament.

Exciting New Talent

Patel, a standout performer in domestic cricket, made her T20I debut against Zimbabwe in February, where she impressively took three wickets for just eight runs in her second match.

At just 21 years old, Izzy Sharp is the youngest member of the squad and will be making her senior World Cup debut. She previously captained New Zealand at the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in 2023. Sharp has earned 11 T20I caps since her debut in March 2025 and has emerged as a crucial batter for the Canterbury Magicians, leading the team's run-scoring in the 2025-26 Super Smash.

Kerr Leads a Talented Squad

Captain Melie Kerr, who set a T20 World Cup record with 15 wickets in 2024 and was named Player of the Tournament, will be supported in the spin department by all-rounders Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Patel. This tournament will also be a first for left-arm seamer Bree Illing, wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, and Devonshire, who were part of New Zealand's squad in last year's one-day World Cup.

Coach Honors Retiring Players

New Zealand's coach, Ben Sawyer, expressed his admiration for Bates, Devine, and Tahuhu, believing they will be driven to conclude their international careers on a high note.

"Having our three most senior players retire at the same tournament is a unique and significant moment," Sawyer stated. "Each has had a remarkable career and contributed immensely to the team and the sport overall."

"There will be an opportunity to celebrate their achievements at the end of the tournament, but for now, they are focused on performing well in their final mission with the team."

T20 World Cup Group Stage Details

The White Ferns are placed in Group 2 for the T20 World Cup, where they will compete against England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies before advancing to the knockout rounds.

Complete New Zealand Squad for T20 World Cup 2026

The New Zealand squad includes: Melie 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, and Lea Tahuhu.