New Zealand all-rounder Suzie Bates will retire from international cricket after the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, ending a 20-year career.
Bates, 38, will play in the tournament from June 12 to July 5 in England, where New Zealand will also face the hosts in three ODIs and T20Is next month.
She is the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20 internationals with 4,717 runs and has taken 145 wickets, while holding the record for most catches in the format.
In ODIs, Bates ranks fourth on New Zealand’s all-time run-scoring list and was part of the squad that won the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Bates said she feels immense pride in wearing the Silver Fern and aims to win another World Cup in what she calls her final mission.
She reflected that the past two decades have passed quickly and expressed joy in striving to be a better player and teammate each day.
What Bates’ retirement means for New Zealand cricket
Her departure leaves a major gap in New Zealand’s batting order and leadership, as she has been a consistent opener and veteran presence for over two decades.
No current player matches her combined record of runs, wickets, and catches in T20Is, making her replacement a significant challenge for selectors.
Younger batters will likely be promoted to fill the opening role, though none have yet approached her longevity or scoring rate at the international level.
How Bates’ career compares to other greats
With 4,717 T20I runs, she leads the global list, surpassing contemporaries like Stafanie Taylor and Meg Lanning in longevity and output in the format.
Her 145 wickets place her among the top all-rounders in women’s T20I history, though she is not the leading wicket-taker, highlighting her value as a batting anchor.
Few players have maintained elite performance across two decades in international cricket, with Bates joining a small group that includes Sachin Tendulkar and Jhulan Goswami in terms of career span.
When is the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup?
The tournament runs from June 12 to July 5, 2026, in England.
What are Suzie Bates’ key international records?
She is the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is with 4,717 runs, fourth on New Zealand’s ODI run-scoring list, and holds the record for most catches in women’s T20Is.
