Cricket: New Zealand’s Patel, Sharp Named in T20 World Cup Squad

New Zealand’s cricket board has announced that off-spinning all-rounder Nensi Patel and batter Izzy Sharp will make their debut in the Women’s Twenty20 World Cup. The tournament will take place in England in June. Alongside them, Sophie Devine, Lea Tahuhu, and Suzie Bates have also been included in the squad. These three experienced players are set to retire from international cricket after the tournament.

The 15-woman team, led by Amelia Kerr, aims to defend the title they won in 2024. Before the World Cup begins, New Zealand will play a three-match T20I series against England in late May as part of their preparation.

Head coach Ben Sawyer shared his thoughts on the upcoming tournament: “It’s going to be an extra special time for Izzy and Nensi, especially since it’s their first World Cup. Having our three most senior players finish their careers at the same event is rare and very special.”

New Zealand has been placed in Group B, which includes England, Ireland, Scotland, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies. They will kick off their campaign against the West Indies on June 13. The tournament runs from June 12 to July 5.

The squad for the World Cup includes: Amelie Kerr (captain), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, and Lea Tahuhu.