Last Dance of Legends: Devine, Bates and Tahuhu eye immortality in White Ferns' title defence

Overview

If a title finish was needed in the last edition for New Zealand to prove that they were not as poor a side as the results suggested, the run of 10 consecutive defeats before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, then a successful title defence this time is required to give a fitting farewell to three outgoing legends: Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu.

Barring Australia, no other team has managed to win back‑to‑back titles in Women’s T20 World Cup history. This gives the White Ferns yet another incentive to rewrite the record books.

How have they fared over the years?

New Zealand could easily have been sitting on three ICC Women’s T20 World Cup titles. They reached the finals in both 2009 and 2010 but lost to England and Australia, respectively. Those near misses underline how close they have come to glory in the past.

Recent form

New Zealand outclassed South Africa 4‑1 in a five‑match T20I series at home in March. However, they enter this ICC event after a 2‑1 series defeat against England. After losing the opening T20I, the White Ferns bounced back with a 14‑run victory in the second match, only to be comprehensively beaten in the decider.

Batting first, they were bundled out for just 80, and England chased down the target with seven wickets in hand.

On a brighter note, the Amelia Kerr‑led side won both their warm‑up fixtures, defeating Bangladesh by 68 runs and South Africa by five wickets, which should boost their confidence heading into the tournament.

Strengths

New Zealand have retained the core of their 2024 title‑winning squad. 10 players, Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, and Jess Kerr, remain part of the 2026 campaign. This continuity will help them believe they can replicate past success as a group.

Their form in 2026 has also been impressive. They have won nine of their 11 T20Is this year, translating to an 81.82% win rate, a strong indicator of momentum and morale.

Weaknesses

England has historically been a difficult venue for the White Ferns in T20Is. Out of 38 matches played there, they have won just 17 and lost 21. This equates to a win percentage of 44.74% and a loss percentage of 55.26%. To clinch glory for the second time, they must overcome this challenge and improve their record in English conditions.

Predicted finish

England are likely to be their biggest threat in the group stage. Given their current form and squad strength, New Zealand should most likely progress to the semifinals.

Squad

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