Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates make T20I return as New Zealand announce squad for South Africa series

New Zealand women have recalled experienced campaigners Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine for the upcoming five-match T20I series against South Africa women, as the White Ferns continue preparations for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup later this year. 

Bates returns after recovering from a quad injury that had sidelined her recently, while Devine is set to make her comeback to the T20I side after stepping away from the ODI format following last year’s World Cup in India. Georgia Plimmer (shoulder injury) and Flora Devonshire (broken finger) have also regained fitness and rejoined the squad.

Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed delight over the return of the senior players, highlighting their influence both on and off the field.

“We're really excited to welcome back Suzie and Sophie for this next block of games. Their quality on the field really does speak for itself but what they bring to the group culturally is really important for us as a team. I'm looking forward to having them mix in with some of the newer members of the squad,” Head coach Ben Sawyer was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.

Sawyer also welcomed Plimmer’s return after she missed most of the recent Zimbabwe series due to a shoulder issue.

“It was unfortunate to have Georgia miss out on most of the Zimbabwe series with her shoulder, so the whole group is glad to have her back. Her role at the top of the order is a key one and it'll be great to have her back as we continue to build toward that World Cup later in the year,” Sawyer continued.

The 15-player squad also includes Bree Illing and Polly Inglis, who both will feature in the first two T20Is before making way for Devonshire and Lea Tahuhu for the remaining matches. Sawyer explained that the rotation is aimed at giving more players opportunities ahead of the global tournament.

“As we can only take 13 at a time in our squads, we're having a few moving parts to try and get more of our players involved in what is an important series ahead of the World Cup,” he concluded.

The five-match T20I series is scheduled to begin at Bay Oval in Tauranga on March 15, with matches set to be played as double-headers alongside the men’s fixtures between New Zealand and South Africa.  

New Zealand Women squad for South Africa T20Is

Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire (Last three T20Is), Isabella Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing (first two T20Is), Polly Inglis (first two T20Is), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu (Last three T20Is).