New Zealand Women’s World Cup 2026 Squad Announced: Sophie Devine to Lead White Ferns
The White Ferns have announced their team for the upcoming ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Since hosting the last tournament in 2022, New Zealand have gone through some changes. Their squad includes six players who will play in their first 50-over World Cup and four players making their debut at a senior ICC event.
One of the new players, 22-year-old all-rounder Flora Devonshire, has been picked for her first ODI after doing really well in domestic cricket last season. Sophie Devine will captain New Zealand again, in what will be her fifth World Cup and her last ODI for the country. Experienced players like Suzie Bates are also playing their fifth 50-over World Cup, while Lea Tahuhu is in her fourth, and Maddy Green and Melie Kerr will play their third World Cup.
“A huge congratulations to all 15 players named to represent New Zealand at this World Cup. I’d like to especially acknowledge the four players set for their first World Cup - they’ve all earned this opportunity and I’m excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament. I’m really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we’ve got the right mix to tackle what we’ll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition.” New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer said.
“It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls. Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favour of Flora was a tough decision. We know Fran is a quality player and at 21 we believe she still has her best years in front of her." Sawyer added.
New Zealand Squad: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.
New Zealand Women’s Cricket Team: ICC WC 2025 Schedule
Match Type | Opponent | Venue | Date | Time (NZST) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Warm-up 1 | India A | Bengaluru | September 25 | 4:00 PM |
Warm-up 2 | India | Bengaluru | September 27 | 9:30 PM |
Match 1 | Australia | Indore | October 1 | 10:30 PM |
Match 2 | South Africa | Indore | October 6 | 10:30 PM |
Match 3 | Bangladesh | Guwahati | October 10 | 10:30 PM |
Match 4 | Sri Lanka | Colombo | October 14 | 10:30 PM |
Match 5 | Pakistan | Colombo | October 18 | 10:30 PM |
Match 6 | India | Navi Mumbai | October 23 | 10:30 PM |
Match 7 | England | Vizag | October 26 | 6:30 PM |
Semi-Final 1 | TBD | Guwahati/Colombo | October 29 | 10:30 PM |
Semi-Final 2 | TBD | Navi Mumbai | October 30 | 10:30 PM |
Final | TBD | Colombo/Navi Mumbai | November 2 | 10:30 PM |
