Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Olympics
Football
Netball
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Full Noise by SN
Important update on 1476AMPatel, Sharp headline new-look White Ferns World Cup squad
Sport Nation • April 29th, 2026 2:01 pm
White Ferns lifting the T20 World Cup trophy in 2024 | Photo: Isuru Sameera Peiris/Photosport
The White Ferns have named a 15-player squad to defend their title at the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England, with Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp earning their first call-ups.
Captain Melie Kerr leads a group featuring ten players from the 2024 title-winning side, including Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu, who will all retire from T20 internationals after the tournament.
“To have our three most senior players all finishing their careers at the same tournament is a rare and special occasion," coach Ben 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 focussed on performing well in their final mission with the team."
Spinner Nensi Patel impressed on debut earlier this year, while 21-year-old Sharp gets her first senior World Cup opportunity after strong domestic form.
“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.” Sawyer said.
New Zealand open against the West Indies on June 14 after warm-ups against Bangladesh and South Africa.
White Ferns T20 World Cup schedule - Group 2 (NZ time)
Match 1 v West Indies - Sunday 14 June 5.30am - Southampton
Match 2 v Sri Lanka - Wednesday 17 June 1.30am - Southampton
Match 3 v Ireland - Saturday 20 June 5.30am - Southampton
Match 4 v Scotland - Tuesday 23 June 9.30pm - Bristol
Match 5 v England - Sunday 28 June 5.30am - The Oval
Scotty's moving tribute to retiring White Ferns great Suzie Bates | Scotty & Izzy
