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

The New Zealand women's cricket team, the White Ferns, has announced its squad for the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England. This team includes newcomers Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp, alongside veterans like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who are set to retire after this tournament. With a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, the White Ferns aim to defend their title in a competitive group stage against teams like England and the West Indies. Coach Ben Sawyer emphasizes the significance of this tournament for the retiring players, promising a memorable farewell. Read on for more details about the squad and their upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 08:28 IST

White Ferns Prepare for World Cup Challenge

Wellington [New Zealand], April 29: The New Zealand women's cricket team, known as the White Ferns, has unveiled its squad for the upcoming 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in England this June. Among the 15 players selected are off-spinning all-rounder Nensi Patel and batter Izzy Sharp, both of whom are making their first appearances in a World Cup.

Captain Melie Kerr leads a team that includes ten members from the victorious 2024 squad, featuring notable players like Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates, who are set to participate in their tenth and final T20 World Cup, as reported by the official New Zealand Cricket website.

Both Devine and Lea Tahuhu have announced that this World Cup will mark the end of their careers with the White Ferns, having previously retired from ODI cricket during the last season.

They will conclude their international journeys in England alongside Bates, who recently declared her retirement from international cricket following the tournament.

Nensi Patel, representing Northern Brave, has been a standout performer domestically and 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 after leading New Zealand at the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.

Sharp has accumulated 11 T20I caps since her debut in March 2025 and has emerged as a vital player for the Canterbury Magicians, recently leading the team in runs during the 2025-26 Super Smash.

Captain 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, left-armer 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.

New Zealand's coach Ben Sawyer praised the careers of Bates, Devine, and Tahuhu, expressing confidence that they will be driven to conclude their international careers on a high note.

“Having our three most senior players all retiring at the same tournament is a unique and significant moment,” Sawyer remarked.

“Each has had a remarkable career and contributed immensely to the team and the sport as a whole. 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.”

The White Ferns will compete in Group 2 of the T20 World Cup, facing off against England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies before the knockout rounds.

New Zealand squad:

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, Lea Tahuhu.