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Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AM'Immensely proud': White Ferns great Suzie Bates confirms international retirement
Sport Nation • April 24th, 2026 8:12 am
Suzie Bates | Photo: Photosport
White Ferns great Suzie Bates will bring the curtain down on one of the most decorated careers in world cricket, confirming she will retire from international duty at the conclusion of the upcoming T20 World Cup in England.
The 38-year-old will be named in the 15-player squad next Wednesday at Otago Girls’ High School before joining the team for a bilateral tour of England in May.
“When I look back on the past twenty-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone,” she said.
“I'm immensely proud to have worn the fern so many times, and I’ve been filled with enormous purpose and joy in striving each day to be a better person, teammate, cricketer, and athlete for this team.
“Words can’t truly express my gratitude to all my teammates and coaches along the way.
“I have one final mission: to head to the UK - a place that holds so many special memories for me - and win another World Cup.”
Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Bates debuted internationally in 2006 after first playing domestic cricket as a 15-year-old, going on to become one of the game’s most consistent performers.
She is the all-time leading run-scorer in Women’s T20Is and sits fourth in Women’s ODIs, while also becoming the first woman to reach 350 internationals and 25,000 career runs.
A former NZ captain, she led New Zealand in 151 matches and was twice named ICC ODI Player of the Year, including a double of ODI and T20 honours in 2016. Wisden also recognised her as the world’s leading women’s cricketer in 2015.
“To my day ones, my family, thank you for always being there. And to my partner, Scotty, and his boys: you’ve shared in all the highs and the lows that this great game has brought into my life.
“I would also like to pay special tribute to the staff and coaches who have given so much to women’s cricket over many years, often with little recognition or reward.
“I’m going to give every ounce of my energy to this final quest, dedicating every minute to helping this team play the kind of cricket we, and our country, can be proud of.”
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