Devine and Tahuhu to Retire After T20 World Cup: New Zealand Names Squad

Sophie Devine and Lea Tahuhu will bring the curtain down on their illustrious international careers at the conclusion of the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed with the announcement of their 15-member squad. The tournament, set to take place in England from June to July, will serve as a poignant farewell for three of New Zealand’s most celebrated players—Devine, Tahuhu, and veteran Suzie Bates—all playing their final matches in the black cap.

A Legacy of Leadership and Excellence

At 36 and 35 respectively, Devine and Tahuhu join Bates—aged 39 and counting down to what she has called “one final mission”—in bowing out after the global event. Their retirement marks a seismic shift for the White Ferns, ending a generation defined by resilience, leadership, and world-class performance.

Head coach Ben Sawyer acknowledged the magnitude of their departure: “To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion. All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and given so much to this team and the game in general.”

Defending Champions with a Balanced Blend

New Zealand enters the tournament as defending champions, having lifted the trophy two years ago. The current squad retains ten members from that victorious campaign: Amelia Kerr, Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Georgia Plimmer.

But the team is also embracing the future. Newcomers Bree Illing (left-arm seamer), Polly Inglis (wicketkeeper-batter), and Flora Devonshire (left-arm spinner) will make their T20 World Cup debuts after impressing during the ODI World Cup last year.

Rising talents Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp have also earned their spots. Patel, an off-spin allrounder, has made a strong start to her international career with six wickets in four T20Is at an economy rate of 3.56. Sharp, who debuted in March 2025, brings valuable experience as a wicketkeeper-batter with 11 T20I caps.

Coach’s Confidence in the New Guard

“Any time you’re chosen to represent your country on the world stage it’s an honour, but World Cups hold an elevated level of importance,” said Sawyer. “It’s going to be an extra special time for Izzy and Nensi with it being their first World Cup. They’ve comfortably taken to international cricket this summer and should both have confidence heading into this next challenge.”

Preparation and Tournament Outlook

The White Ferns, who have won seven of their last eight T20Is, will face England in a three-match series in late May before the World Cup support period begins on June 7. They are grouped in Group 2 alongside England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies.

They will play warm-up matches against Bangladesh on June 6 and South Africa on June 9 in Loughborough, before opening their campaign against the West Indies on June 14 in Hampshire.

“I believe we’ve landed on a well-balanced squad that features a mix of experience and exciting young talent,” Sawyer added. “We’ve worked really hard over the past 12 months to develop our batting depth in particular, which we’ve seen bear fruit in our recent home series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.”

A New Chapter Begins

With the pace bowling attack fiercely competitive for places, New Zealand enters the tournament not only to defend their title but to lay the foundation for a new era. As the team honors its departing legends, it also looks ahead with confidence.

“There’ll be a time at the end of the tournament to further acknowledge and celebrate the trio,” Sawyer said, “but at present, they’re very focused on performing well in their final mission with the team.”

For fans, the 2024 T20 World Cup will be a bittersweet spectacle—one that celebrates icons and introduces the next generation of White Ferns.