Sophie Devine to Lead New Zealand at ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024

Sophie Devine will captain New Zealand at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, marking her ninth consecutive appearance. The squad includes veteran players Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, and Amelia Kerr. New Zealand aims for their first World Cup title, having been runners-up in 2009 and 2010.

Sophie Devine is set to captain New Zealand at the upcoming ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, making it her ninth consecutive appearance at the prestigious event. The 35-year-old will aim to lift the elusive trophy, with New Zealand having finished runners-up in 2009 and 2010.

The squad also boasts seasoned players like Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr, and Maddy Green. Devine and Bates have participated in every Women's T20 World Cup to date. Returning from a back injury, Rosemary Mair strengthens the pace attack, joined by Jess Kerr, Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold.

Spin bowlers Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, and Fran Jonas add depth for the UAE conditions. Head coach Ben Sawyer highlighted the strong mix of experience and youth in the squad, expressing confidence in their potential performance at the tournament.

'Congratulations to all of the players named in this squad; it's a significant achievement to represent your country at a World Cup. I'm really pleased with this squad and believe these are our best 15 players to adapt to the varied conditions we will face,' Sawyer was quoted by ICC.

Sawyer praised Devine and Bates, emphasizing their vast experience in World Cups and franchise leagues. He stated, 'Soph and Suze will lead from the front, bringing valuable knowledge to what promises to be an intense competition.' New Zealand is in Group A along with Australia, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The tournament will kick off in October.

Before the main event, the Kiwis will play warm-up matches against South Africa and England. The official New Zealand squad includes: Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Amelia Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, and Lea Tahuhu. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)