An era in women’s cricket is set to close as New Zealand stalwart Suzie Bates prepares to step away from international cricket following the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England. After more than two decades at the highest level, Bates will leave the game as one of its most respected figures, having shaped New Zealand’s identity across formats with both bat and leadership.
The announcement comes at a fitting moment in her career, with Bates recently returning from a quadriceps injury and regaining rhythm ahead of one final global assignment. She is expected to be named in New Zealand’s 15-player squad at an event at her former school, Otago Girls’ High School, before joining the team for their tour of England in May. With the White Ferns heading into the tournament as defending champions, the stage is set for a farewell that carries both nostalgia and ambition.
Reflecting on her journey, Bates said, “When I look back on the past 20-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone. 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, team-mate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.”
Her focus now is firmly on ending her career on the highest possible note. “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. 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.”
Bates’ career began remarkably early, making her domestic debut at just 15 before stepping into international cricket in 2006. Over the years, she has built a record that places her among the greatest in the women’s game. She currently stands as the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 Internationals (T20Is) with 4717 runs and ranks fourth in One Day Internationals (ODIs) with 5964 runs. Her consistency across formats, combined with her longevity, reflects a rare level of excellence.
Leadership also played a defining role in her journey. Appointed captain in 2011, Bates guided New Zealand through a transformative period, leading the side for nearly seven years. Her influence extended beyond tactics, as she became a mentor and role model for younger players entering the setup. In 2016, her impact was formally recognised when Wisden named her the leading women’s cricketer in the world.
Beyond cricket, Bates’ sporting journey is unique. She represented New Zealand in basketball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics before choosing to fully commit to cricket. That dual-sport background speaks to her athleticism and competitive drive, qualities that have defined her career. Her contribution to New Zealand cricket was perhaps best captured in the aftermath of the team’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, where she stood alongside the next generation, symbolising both legacy and continuity.
Teammates and officials have been quick to acknowledge her impact. Captain Amelia 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 team-mates. 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.”
New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Women’s High Performance Development, Liz Green, echoed similar sentiments. “It’s hard to find the words for a player like Suzie. The women’s game has been able to develop into what it is today because of players like her. You’ll hear a lot about her contributions on the field, but it’s who she is as a player, team-mate, and role model off the field that makes her one of the all-time greats, not only here in New Zealand but also internationally. She’ll leave the game with a profound legacy and will continue to inspire the next generation of players for years to come and that’s something pretty special to hang your hat on.”
As the countdown begins to her final tournament, Bates carries with her not just records and milestones, but the respect of a global cricketing community. Her last mission is clear, and if her career has shown anything, it is that she has a habit of rising to the moment when it matters most.
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket)
