Suzie Bates Faces Injury Setback, Aims for Return in March

Suzie Bates, the New Zealand opening batter, is facing a three-month recovery period due to an injury sustained during a domestic match. This setback means she will miss the remainder of Otago's season and the upcoming series against Zimbabwe. However, Bates is determined to return in time for New Zealand's tour of South Africa in March. Her last international appearance was during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, where she struggled with her performance. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Bates is focused on her recovery and future matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 22, 2025, 08:09 IST

Injury Update on Suzie Bates

New Delhi, December 22: New Zealand's opening batter, Suzie Bates, sustained an injury last month during a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match while fielding. Subsequent scans revealed a significant tear, leading medical professionals to recommend a rehabilitation period of approximately three months.

Consequently, Bates will be sidelined for the remainder of Otago's domestic season and will also miss the White Ferns' upcoming home series against Zimbabwe, which is set to commence in late February, as reported by the ICC.

Despite this unfortunate situation, Bates is focused on making a comeback in time for New Zealand's tour of South Africa, where they are scheduled to compete in a T20I and ODI series in March.

"I’m really disappointed to miss out this summer; I was eagerly anticipating another season with the Sparks, particularly the Super Smash. My goal now is to return to the field with the White Ferns in March," Bates expressed.

On the international front, Bates last played in her team's final group stage match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 against England, where she had a challenging performance, scoring only 40 runs across five innings. New Zealand finished sixth in the tournament, securing just one victory in seven matches.

With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaching in six months, New Zealand's next challenge will be a three-match ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe, starting on February 25 in Hamilton.