New Zealand’s former captain Suzie Bates is set to bring the curtains down on her illustrious international career following the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England, marking the end of a remarkable journey that spanned over two decades. 

The veteran New Zealand allrounder, who recently returned to action after recovering from a quadriceps injury, is expected to be named in the 15-member squad next week. The team will then travel to England in early May for a bilateral ODI and T20I series as part of their preparations.

Heading into the global tournament as defending champions, Bates has her eyes firmly set on finishing her career on a high.

“When I look back on the past 20-plus years, I can’t quite believe how quickly the time has gone. 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, team-mate, cricketer, and athlete for this team,” Bates was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

Bates’ journey began at just 15 years of age when she made her domestic debut in 2003, before stepping onto the international stage in 2006. Over the years, she has etched her name in the record books, currently standing as the leading run-scorer in women’s T20Is with 4717 runs, while also occupying the fourth spot in the all-time ODI run charts with 5964 runs.

“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. 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,” she continued.

She also served as the captain of New Zealand from July 2011, leading the side for nearly seven years and playing a pivotal role in shaping the team’s success during her tenure. 

“To my dear 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,” she concluded. 

Beyond cricket, Bates has also represented New Zealand in basketball, notably featuring for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.