Auckland, Sep 10
Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates are set to appear at a record ninth straight ICC Women's T20 World Cup as New Zealand announced their 15-member squad for next month's event in the UAE.
The experienced duo, who have featured in every edition of the women’s event since its inception in 2009.
Devine, who is stepping down as T20 captain at the conclusion of the tournament, will be leading the side. She will hope to lift the trophy that has eluded the side since they finished runners up in 2009 and 2010, the first two editions of the tournament.
"The T20 World Cup’s been an important vehicle in the development and growth of the women’s game and it’s a real privilege to think I’ve played in it since it started,” said Devine.
"I’m really looking forward to another opportunity to compete against world-class teams that are all vying to take home the trophy," she added.
Pace-bowler Rosemary Mair returns to the squad following a back injury sustained during the England home series, which ruled her out of the return tour in June-July. Jess Kerr, Tahuhu, Hannah Rowe and Molly Penfold are the others in the pace department.
Off-spinner Leigh Kasperek will bolster the spin attack, set to take part in her fourth T20 World Cup, alongside fellow spinners Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas and Eden Carson.
Wicket-keeper batter Izzy Gaze is the only squad member without ICC Women’s T20 World Cup experience.