New Zealand unveil squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup; Tahuhu, Devine to retire post tournament

New Zealand (NZ) have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026. The selectors have included spin-bowling allrounder Nensi Patel and wicketkeeper batter Izzy Sharp in the squad. While Patel has only played four T20Is and claimed six wickets at an economy of 3.56, Sharp has represented the White Ferns in 11 T20Is.

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) also confirmed that veteran fast bowler Lea Tahuhu and batting allrounder Sophie Devine will also hang up their international boots, like their teammate Suzie Bates, after the end of the tournament. The White Ferns are the defending champions, having won the trophy in 2024 under Devine's leadership.

Slow left-arm orthodox bowler Flora Devonshire, left-arm pacer Bree Illing and wicketkeeper batter Polly Inglis have also been named in the squad. They will be playing their maiden T20 World Cup.

New Zealand's squad has 10 players who helped conjure the World Cup win in 2024. They would be expected to shoulder the bulk of the workload and allow the youngsters to express themselves.

New Zealand are placed in Group 2 alongside West Indies, Sri Lanka, Scotland, England and Ireland. They are scheduled to play two warm-up games on June 6 and 9 against Bangladesh and South Africa, respectively. They'll kickstart their World Cup defence against West Indies on June 14.

"I believe we've landed on a well-balanced squad that features a mix of experience and exciting young talent," White Ferns head coach Sawyer said. "We've worked really hard over the past 12 months to develop our batting depth in particular, which we've seen bear fruit in our recent home series against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

"With the ball, our pace bowling attack are competing hard for spots in the XI, which is a great place to be from a depth perspective."

"Any time you're chosen to represent your country on the world stage, it's an honour, but World Cups hold an elevated level of importance and I'm certain everyone can't wait to get on the plane," Ben Sawyer, the New Zealand head coach, said in a statement.

"It's going to be an extra special time for Izzy and Nensi with it being their first World Cup. They've comfortably taken to international cricket this summer and should both have confidence heading into this next challenge."

"To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion," Sawyer said. "All three have had distinguished careers in their own right and given so much to this team and the game in general.

"There'll be a time at the end of the tournament to further acknowledge and celebrate the trio, and I know at present they're very focused on performing well in their final mission with the team."

New Zealand squad for the women's T20 World Cup

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