Former New Zealand captain Suzie Bates is set to end her International career after the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, concluding a remarkable 20-year journey.
The experienced allrounder, who has recently recovered from a quadriceps injury, is likely to be included in the 15-member squad to be announced next week. The team will head to England in early May for a bilateral ODI and T20I series to prepare for the tournament.
As defending champions, Bates aims to finish her career on a strong note.
“Looking back over the last 20 years, I can hardly believe how fast time has passed. I’m incredibly proud to have represented New Zealand so many times and have found great joy and purpose in striving to improve as a person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete,” Bates said, according to ESPNcricinfo.
Bates began her journey at age 15, making her domestic debut in 2003, before entering the international arena in 2006. She currently holds the record as the leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is with 4,717 runs and is fourth on the all-time ODI run list with 5,964 runs.
“I have one final mission: to go to the UK, where I have many fond memories, and win another World Cup. I will devote all my energy to this final goal, focusing on helping the team play Cricket that we and our country can be proud of,” she added.
Bates served as the captain of New Zealand from July 2011 for nearly seven years, playing a significant role in the team’s achievements during her leadership.
“To my family, thank you for your unwavering support, and to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve been there through all the highs and lows of this journey. I also want to acknowledge the staff and coaches who have dedicated themselves to women’s cricket over the years, often without recognition,” she concluded.
Outside of cricket, Bates has also represented New Zealand in basketball, playing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.