Suzie Bates to Retire from International Cricket After T20 World Cup

Suzie Bates, the celebrated New Zealand all-rounder, has announced her retirement from international cricket following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup. With a career spanning over two decades and 362 matches, Bates reflects on her journey filled with achievements, including being New Zealand's highest run-scorer. As she prepares for her final tournament, Bates aims to lead her team to victory in the T20 World Cup, where they are grouped with formidable opponents. Discover more about her illustrious career and her aspirations for one last trophy.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 24, 2026, 00:44 IST

Suzie Bates Announces Retirement

New Zealand's prominent all-rounder, Suzie Bates, has declared her retirement from international cricket, set to take place following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup this year. Her departure marks the end of an illustrious career that includes 362 matches representing New Zealand.

Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey

In a statement to New Zealand Cricket, Bates expressed her disbelief at how swiftly the past two decades have flown by. She shared her pride in donning the fern numerous times and emphasized the joy and purpose she found in her journey to improve as a player and teammate. Bates conveyed her heartfelt gratitude to her coaches and teammates, stating, "I have one final mission: to head to the UK - a place that holds so many special memories for me - and win another World Cup."

A Statistical Marvel

Bates boasts an impressive record, having scored 14 centuries across all formats and taken 145 wickets. She will retire as New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer, with only Meg Lanning from Australia (15) and India's Smriti Mandhana (14) surpassing her 13 ODI centuries. Her highest ODI score of 168 was achieved against Pakistan during the 2009 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, and she also scored a century against the same team in the 2022 tournament held in New Zealand.

All-Round Excellence and Leadership

While Bates is primarily recognized for her batting prowess, she has also made significant contributions with the ball throughout her career. Notably, she achieved four-wicket hauls in both ODI and T20I formats in 2009 and 2011, respectively. Bates captained the New Zealand team from 2011 to 2018 and reached a career high in 2013 when she was named the ICC Women's ODI Cricketer of the Year after leading in runs during the World Cup in India. She also received accolades as the ICC Women's ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2016.

Aiming for a Final Trophy

As she prepares for her final tournament, Bates aims to guide her team to consecutive T20 World Cup victories. The tournament is set to begin in June, with the White Ferns placed in Group B alongside England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.