New Zealand add fresh faces to contract list as Devine and Bates bow out

Flora Devonshire, Izzy Sharp, and Nensi Patel are the three new names added to New Zealand’s 17‑player women’s central contract list for the 2026‑27 season. The trio step in as Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu prepare to retire from international cricket following the conclusion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.

Sharp, a wicketkeeper‑batter, and Devonshire, a clean ball-striker who also bowls slow left‑arm orthodox spin, have spent the past year in NZC’s Central Players of Interest programme, a pathway designed to accelerate the development of highly talented players.

Devonshire, 23, made her T20I debut against Sri Lanka at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16, followed by her ODI debut against South Africa at the same venue on March 29.

Nensi Patel, 24, has already featured in seven ODIs and six T20Is for the White Ferns, both debuts coming against Zimbabwe earlier this year.

Sharp, 21, is the most experienced of the three, having represented New Zealand in nine ODIs and 14 T20Is. All three are part of New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.

Head Coach Ben Sawyer heaps praise on fresh faces

New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the trio’s ability to strengthen the squad:

“Flora’s a clean striker with lots of power. Being left‑handed she offers a point of difference as she’s able to hit to different areas of the field, and there’s the added bonus of her left‑arm orthodox bowling," Sawyer said in a press release shared by New Zealand Cricket.

"Nensi’s consistently accurate with the ball, and she has great control over her length and pace.

"Izzy’s batting has been building from strength to strength. She possesses similar qualities to Sophie and with Soph stepping away from international cricket soon, it’s really exciting to bring someone with Izzy’s power onto a central contract so we can keep working with her to develop those skills.”

New Zealand’s 17‑Player Women’s Central Contract List (2026‑27)

Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Izzy Sharp