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Bates & Devine Return as NZ Name Squad for South Africa T20I Series

New Zealand has announced its squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, beginning March 15. The squad welcomes back experienced players Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, who have completed their rehabilitation from injuries. Head coach Ben Sawyer emphasized the value of their experience and cultural impact on the team. The 15-player squad includes rotational selections, with some players featuring only in specific matches.

Key Points: NZ Women's T20I Squad vs South Africa: Bates, Devine Return

  • Bates & Devine return from injury
  • Squad rotation for 5-match series
  • Preparation for T20 World Cup
  • Coach highlights cultural impact
2 min read

New Zealand announces squad for South Africa T20I series

New Zealand announces 15-player squad for South Africa T20I series, welcoming back Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine from injury.

"We're really excited to welcome back Suzie and Sophie... Their quality on the field speaks for itself. - Ben Sawyer"

New Delhi, March 9

New Zealand have welcomed back experienced campaigners Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa, as per the ICC website.

Bates (quad tear), Devonshire (broken finger) and Plimmer (shoulder) have completed their rehabilitation and are available for the series, which begins at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, March 15.

Sophie Devine will also make her return to the side for the first time since the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, as New Zealand continue preparations for their title defence at the upcoming marquee women's T20 tournament in England later this year.

The squad includes 15 players, with Bree Illing and Polly Inglis featuring for the opening two matches. They will make way later in the series for Lea Tahuhu and Devonshire as the team manages its squad rotation.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said the return of Bates and Devine would add valuable experience to the squad.

"We're really excited to welcome back Suzie and Sophie for this next block of games. Their quality on the field speaks for itself, but what they bring culturally is really important for us as a team. I'm looking forward to having them mix in with some of the newer members of the squad," Sawyer said.

"Flora had a couple of back-to-back injuries that have kept her out of the squad for the last little while, which is never nice as a player," Sawyer said. It's really pleasing to be able to have her back in the group, fit and firing for when we need her."

New Zealand squad for South Africa T20I series:

Melie Kerr (C), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Flora Devonshire**, Lea Tahuhu**, Bree Illing**,* Polly Inglis*.

(*first two T20's only, **last three T20's only).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Solid squad. The return of experienced players is always a boost. The rotation policy for the first two and last three matches is smart management. Keeps the squad fresh. Women's cricket is getting more competitive, which is fantastic for the sport globally.
A
Aman W
Good to see players recovering from injury. Devine and Bates bring so much to the table. Hope the series is a cracker! South Africa is a strong side, so this will be a proper contest. Excited to watch some quality cricket.
S
Sarah B
While it's great for NZ, I do hope the focus on managing players for the World T20 doesn't make this bilateral series feel like just a warm-up. Fans deserve to see full-strength teams competing with full intensity in every match, not just the global tournaments.
K
Karthik V
Melie Kerr as captain is interesting. She's young but very talented. The blend of youth and experience in this squad looks perfect. All the best to both teams! May the best team win. 🙌

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