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New Zealand's Suzie Bates Ruled Out Until March With Injury, Eyes South Africa Tour Return

That's a tough break for Suzie Bates and the White Ferns. She's targeting a comeback in March for the South Africa series after this injury setback. Her absence will be felt, especially with the T20 World Cup coming up next year. Here's hoping her rehab goes smoothly and she's back smashing runs soon.

Key Points: Suzie Bates Injury: NZ Batter Ruled Out Until March, to Miss Zimbabwe Series

  • New Zealand batter Suzie Bates ruled out for three months due to injury sustained in domestic match
  • Otago Sparks to miss Bates for remainder of domestic home season
  • White Ferns' opening batter to miss home ODI & T20I series against Zimbabwe in February
  • Bates targets return for New Zealand's tour of South Africa scheduled for March
  • Injury setback comes after below-par batting performance in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
  • Rehabilitation timeline puts focus on recovery ahead of ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026
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New Zealand batter Suzie Bates ruled out until March due to injury

New Zealand opener Suzie Bates sidelined for three months due to injury, set to miss domestic season and home series against Zimbabwe, targets return for South Africa tour.

"I'm gutted to be missing out this summer, I was really looking forward to another season with the Sparks, especially the Super Smash. I'm determined to get back on the field with the White Ferns in March, so that'll be my focus for now. - Suzie Bates"

New Delhi, December 22

New Zealand opening batter Suzie Bates picked up an injury last month while fielding in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match. Scans later confirmed the extent of the tear, with medical advice indicating a rehabilitation period of around three months.

Despite the setback, Bates has set her sights on returning in time for New Zealand's tour of South Africa, where New Zealand are due to play a T20I and ODI series in March.

"I'm gutted to be missing out this summer, I was really looking forward to another season with the Sparks, especially the Super Smash. I'm determined to get back on the field with the White Ferns in March, so that'll be my focus for now," said Bates.

On the international stage, Bates was last seen in her side's final group stage clash of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 against England.

Bates had a below-par outing for her standards, amassing just 40 runs across five innings as New Zealand eventually ended sixth on the table with just a single win across seven games.

With the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026 coming up in six months, New Zealand are next scheduled to face Zimbabwe in a three-match ODI & T20I series, set to begin on February 25 in Hamilton.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Injuries are the worst part of sports. Hope she comes back stronger. As an Indian fan, I always enjoy watching her bat—such a clean striker. Get well soon, Suzie!
A
Aman W
Three months is a long time out. This is a big blow for their prep for the South Africa tour. Other players will have to step up now.
S
Sarah B
The article mentions her recent form was below par. Maybe this forced break, as unfortunate as it is, could be a chance for her to reset mentally and physically before the World Cup year.
K
Karthik V
Tough luck. Fielding injuries can be so random. Hope the NZ board provides top-class rehab facilities. The women's game needs all its stars fit and firing! 💪
N
Nisha Z
It's good she has a clear target (the March tour) to work towards. That mental focus during rehab is everything. Wishing her all the best from India!

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