Fast bowler Rosemary Mair returns to strengthen New Zealand’s women’s team for the T20 World Cup 2024. After suffering a back injury during their home series against England in March, Mair joins a squad that includes experienced players Sophie Devine and Suzie Bates. Devine and Bates will play in their ninth consecutive T20 World Cup, having participated in every edition since the tournament’s inception.
Mair, with 18 wickets from 24 T20Is, will bolster a strong pace attack that includes Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr, Hannah Rowe, and Molly Penfold. Allrounders Bates and Brooke Halliday also add fast-bowling depth. The spin attack will be led by Leigh Kasperek, Melie Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson. Izzy Gaze, the wicketkeeper-batter, is the only player making her T20 World Cup debut.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the squad, highlighting the experience of Devine and Bates, who have played in numerous World Cups and franchise leagues. Sawyer also praised Mair for her hard work in recovering from injury and rejoining the team as a key pace option.
Before the World Cup, New Zealand will tour Australia for three T20Is on September 19, 22, and 24. The team will then play warm-up matches against South Africa and England before their first World Cup game against India on October 4. The World Cup in the UAE will also feature Australia, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan in New Zealand’s group. This tournament will be Devine’s last as T20I captain.
New Zealand squad for T20 World Cup 2024:
Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
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