Suzie Bates to Retire After 2026 T20 World Cup, Ending Illustrious 20-Year Career

Veteran New Zealand allrounder Suzie Bates has announced she will retire from international cricket following the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable two-decade career.

Bates, who recently returned from a quadriceps injury, is set to be named in New Zealand’s 15-player squad for the global tournament. The squad announcement will take place at her former school, Otago Girls' High School, before the team departs in early May for a bilateral ODI and T20I tour of England. As defending champions, New Zealand will enter the tournament with high expectations, and Bates has made it clear that she is targeting a fairytale finish.

Reflecting on her journey, Bates expressed both pride and determination. She described her international career as deeply fulfilling and emphasized her desire to end it on a high note by lifting another World Cup trophy in a country that holds special memories for her.

Bates’ career began at just 15 when she made her domestic debut in 2003, followed by her international debut in 2006. Over the years, she has built an extraordinary record, becoming the leading run-scorer in women’s T20 internationals with 4,717 runs and ranking fourth in women’s ODIs with 5,964 runs. She also captained New Zealand from 2011 to 2018, playing a pivotal role in shaping the team’s modern era. In 2016, she was named the world’s leading women’s cricketer by Wisden.

Beyond cricket, Bates also represented New Zealand in basketball, competing for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, underlining her versatility as an elite athlete.

Paying tribute to those who supported her journey, Bates thanked her family, partner, and teammates, as well as the coaches and support staff who have contributed to the growth of women’s cricket over the years.

Current New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr hailed Bates as one of the greatest cricketers of all time, highlighting her influence both on and off the field. Kerr credited Bates as a personal role model and praised her selflessness, leadership, and lasting impact on the team environment.

New Zealand Cricket’s Head of Women’s High Performance Development, Liz Green, also acknowledged Bates’ immense contribution, stating that her legacy extends far beyond statistics. She emphasized that Bates has played a key role in advancing women’s cricket in New Zealand and globally, inspiring future generations of players.

As Bates prepares for her final international assignment, her focus remains firmly on helping New Zealand defend their title and finishing her career with one last major triumph.