[Watch] 2 superfans announce New Zealand’s 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup squad in unique way
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) president Leslie Murdoch unveiled a strong 15-player squad of the White Ferns on Tuesday, September 10, ahead of the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. Sophie Devine will lead the side for one last time as the team's social media handle announced the squad via two superfans in a heartwarming video.
The two superfans had a pack of cards with them as they kept describing the special attributes of every player. Along with Devine, who is set to play a record ninth T20 World Cup, Suzie Bates will join her. The duo will feature in every edition of the ICC event since it began in 2009.
Pacer Rosemary Mair has returned to the squad, having recovered from the back injury that kept her out of the home series against England and the return tour. She had a sensational campaign for the Central Hinds in the 2023-24 Super Smash, bagging outstanding figures of 4/5 in the final.
Leigh Kasperek will also make a comeback to strengthen the spin-bowling attack, joining Amelia Kerr, Fran Jonas, and Eden Carson. Izzy Gaze is the only squad member who hasn't played in a T20 World Cup edition yet.
New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Fran Jonas, Leigh Kasperek, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
"These are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions" - New Zealand coach
Head coach Ben Sawyer feels the selectors couldn't have done a better job picking the squad and feels Devine and Bates' experience will go a long way in determining their standing. He was quoted as saying by nzc.nz:
"Congratulations to all of the players named in this squad, it’s a significant achievement to be selected to represent your country at a World Cup. I’m really pleased with this squad, I think these are our best 15 players to adapt to what will likely be varied conditions. Soph and Suze have a huge amount of tournament experience from World Cups to franchise leagues, so we’ll certainly be leaning on that knowledge in what’s going to be a pretty intense competition."
The White Ferns will tour Australia for three T20Is before heading to the UAE for the multi-nation event. They will start their campaign against India in Dubai on October 4.