NZ great Suzie Bates to retire after 2026 T20 World Cup

New Zealand legend Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket at the conclusion of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, a statement from New Zealand Cricket announced on Thursday.

The announcement will bring the curtain down on an incredible 20-year international career that has seen the 38-year-old rewrite national and world records, captain the national side on 151 occasions – all while being at the forefront of the evolution of women’s cricket from amateur to professional.

Bates will be named as part of the 15-player World Cup squad at an announcement event at her former school, Otago Girls’ High School next Wednesday and will depart with the squad for the ODI and T20I bilateral tour of England in early May.

“When I look back on the past twenty-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” she said.

“I’m immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.

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“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way.

“I have one final mission: to head to the UK – a place that holds so many special memories for me – and win another World Cup.”

A right-handed opening batter from Dunedin, Bates made her domestic debut as a 15-year-old in 2003 and her international debut in 2006 .

A talented sportswoman, Bates also represented New Zealand on the global stage in basketball, appearing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20 Internationals (4717*) and fourth in Women’s ODIs (5964*), Bates was also the first female cricketer to appear in 350 international matches and score 25,000 career runs (international and domestic).

She was appointed captain in July 2011 and led the side for almost seven years, guiding New Zealand to multiple ICC tournament finals and cementing herself as one of the most respected leaders in the world game.

Bates was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2013 and then swept both the ICC Women’s ODI and T20I Cricketer of the Year awards in 2016.

“To my day ones, my family, thank you for always being there. And to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve shared in all the highs and the lows that this great game has brought into my life.

“I would also like to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over many years, often with little recognition or reward.

New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.
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“I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”

New Zealand skipper Amelia Kerr said Bates, who she has idolised from a young age, will be greatly missed.

“Suzie really is one of the greatest cricketers of all time,” Kerr said.

“Growing up Suzie was my role model, and I was fortunate enough to make the team when she was captain.

“If you’ve ever been lucky enough to play alongside her you’ll know that she’s one of the most selfless cricketers in the world and one of the greatest teammates.

“Her record speaks for itself, she’s paved the way for a long time in women’s cricket, and what she’s done for cricket, the women’s game, and sport in New Zealand, she should be very proud of.

“She’ll be hugely missed in the WHITE FERNS whānau, but I know she’s still got a bit more left in the tank.”

Published on Apr 23, 2026