New Zealand legend Suzie Bates to retire after Women’s T20 World Cup
New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket following the conclusion of this year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in England.
The 38-year-old has been named in the White Ferns’ 15-member squad for the upcoming tournament, which takes place from 12 June to 5 July.
Prior to her final global event, the veteran will also feature in three one-day internationals and three T20 fixtures against the English hosts next month.
Stepping away from the international arena will bring an end to an illustrious 20-year career that firmly established the dual-international as a modern sporting great.
A record-breaking legacy across multiple formats
The right-handed opening batter currently stands as the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20 internationals, having amassed an incredible 4,717 runs.
In addition to her dominance in the shortest format, the former captain ranks fourth on the all-time ODI run-scoring charts and has claimed 145 wickets alongside a record number of catches.
Her remarkable athleticism is further highlighted by her unique status as a multi-sport athlete, having previously represented her country in basketball at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
“When I look back on the past 20-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” Suzie Bates reflected.
“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.”
Paving the way for future generations
Having made her senior debut against India in 2006, the formidable all-rounder went on to lead the national side in 151 matches during a distinguished seven-year captaincy stint.
During that stellar run, she was crowned Wisden’s Leading Women’s Cricketer in the World in 2015 and secured the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in both 2013 and 2016.
Current White Ferns captain Melie Kerr was quick to pay tribute, describing her departing team-mate as a personal role model and an all-time great.
“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,” Melie Kerr added.
