Suzie Bates Picks 5 Key New Zealand Players For ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

As the countdown begins for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, cricket fans across the globe are once again turning their attention to a player who has been a constant presence in women’s cricket for over a decade—Suzie Bates.

With her upcoming participation in the 2025 edition, Bates will mark her fifth consecutive appearance in the tournament—a rare feat matched by only a handful of elite players including Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry, Marizanne Kapp, and Harmanpreet Kaur. But beyond the stats, it’s Bates’ journey from a wide-eyed 18-year-old in 2009 to a battle-hardened veteran today that truly captures the imagination.

This World Cup is more than just another milestone in Bates’ storied career—it is a celebration of how far both she and women’s cricket have come.

Suzie Bates: The Architect of Modern White Ferns

When Bates debuted in the 2009 World Cup, women’s cricket was still inching toward professionalism. Facilities were modest, funding was limited, and mainstream media coverage was scarce. Fast forward to 2025, and Bates now stands as a seasoned campaigner in a sport that boasts full-time contracts, multi-million dollar franchises, and sold-out global stadiums.

At 38, she is not just participating—she is still central to New Zealand’s ambitions, a leader both on and off the field. In an exclusive with ICC Digital, Bates reflected on the emotional arc of her World Cup journey:

“These events are the pinnacle for me. I feel like each World Cup was a different phase of my career, coming in so naïve in 2009… to now, the game having evolved so much.”

The evolution she speaks of is not just in infrastructure or television rights—it’s in the spirit of belief. Bates notes that every team in 2025 arrives believing they can win, and that’s what makes this edition the most competitive yet.

From Young Gun to White Ferns Matriarch

Back in 2009, Suzie Bates was a rising star—a dual-sport athlete who also played basketball at the 2008 Olympics. Now, she is a mainstay of the White Ferns, having amassed:

Over 5,200 ODI runs
One of the highest averages in New Zealand women’s cricket history
Former captain of the national side (2011–2018)
Leadership roles in major global leagues (WBBL, The Hundred)

Through triumphs and defeats, transitions and transformations, Bates has served as a pillar of consistency and resilience, guiding New Zealand cricket through generational changes.

T20 Glory in Dubai: The Motivational Flame

Although this World Cup is played in the 50-over format, the team carries the emotional high of their T20 World Cup triumph in Dubai last year. For Bates, that moment isn’t just history—it’s fuel.

“We have loved coming back here after almost 12 months. Reminiscing on those last 12 months and that really special time… If we win this World Cup, maybe we’ll have to come back to Dubai and celebrate.”

That semi-humorous comment hides a deeper truth—the team now has winning memories to lean on, and Bates is determined to help translate that T20 success into the ODI format.

The ‘Fab Five’: Players with 5 Consecutive World Cups

Bates’ fifth World Cup appearance puts her in rare company:

Player	Country	Debut World Cup	2025 Appearance	Role
Suzie Bates	New Zealand	2009	2025	Opening Batter
Sophie Devine	New Zealand	2009	2025	Captain / All-Rounder
Ellyse Perry	Australia	2009	2025	All-Rounder
Marizanne Kapp	South Africa	2009	2025	Seam-Bowling All-Rounder
Harmanpreet Kaur	India	2009	2025	Middle-Order Batter

This elite group signifies more than longevity—it highlights resilience, adaptation, and impact.

5 White Ferns to Watch at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

While Bates and Sophie Devine will carry the emotional weight of experience, a new generation of New Zealand cricketers is ready to rise. Bates herself singled out five standout talents poised to shape the White Ferns’ campaign:

1. Sophie Devine – Captain & All-Round Leader

At 35, Devine enters her fifth World Cup as both captain and cornerstone. Her game is built on fearless hitting, sharp seam bowling, and an unshakeable temperament.

ODI runs: 3,000+
Wickets: 100+
Batting Strike Rate: Among the best in world cricket

Devine’s leadership is collaborative yet commanding, and her pairing with Bates gives New Zealand one of the most experienced top orders in the tournament.

2. Eden Carson – Rising Star Spinner

Bates was full of praise for Eden Carson, calling her “outstanding” at the 2024 T20 World Cup. As a spinner, Carson brings control in the middle overs and can also contribute with the bat when needed.

At just 23, she’s being groomed as New Zealand’s next spin spearhead.

“She plays beyond her years… she’s sharp, calm under pressure, and a real team player,” says Bates.

3. Georgia Plimmer – The Young Anchor

Plimmer has emerged as one of the brightest batting talents in Kiwi cricket. During the 2024 T20 World Cup, she was one of the top scorers, showing poise and maturity in tough situations.

Bates described her as someone who “led from the front with the bat”, a big compliment from a veteran.

Age: 22
Style: Right-hand top-order batter
Known For: Ability to absorb pressure and rotate strike

Plimmer is expected to occupy the critical No. 3 spot, acting as a bridge between explosive openers and the middle order.

4. Bree Illing – The Left-Arm X-Factor

New Zealand hasn’t had a left-arm pacer since Sian Ruck, but that void may now be filled by Bree Illing. Bates believes Illing brings a “different dimension” to the attack.

Left-arm seamers bring angle and variation, especially in conditions that support swing
Illing has already impressed with her ability to bowl in the powerplay and take early wickets

“She can let the ball fly, swing it late, and cause real problems for top orders,” Bates notes.

5. Flora Devonshire – The All-Round Package

A relatively new name in international circles, Flora Devonshire has been making waves in domestic cricket. Her dual skillset as a batter and medium pacer gives balance to the team.

Bates calls her “very talented”, suggesting she could be New Zealand’s surprise weapon.

Can bat in the lower middle order and finish games
Useful medium pace with variations for the death overs
Athletic fielder—something New Zealand values highly

Legacy Meets Fresh Energy

For Bates, this is not just another tournament—it’s a passing of the torch. As she rightly says:

“Even though I’ve had five (World Cups), I’m just as excited for their first one… and hopefully I can share a little bit of knowledge about World Cups with them.”

This sentiment reflects the true ethos of a leader—not one obsessed with her own legacy, but one invested in the future of the sport.

What Lies Ahead: New Zealand’s World Cup Campaign

New Zealand’s preparation for this World Cup has been rigorous. With a mix of senior heads and exciting youth, they are not just aiming to compete—they want to win.

Key Strengths:

Strong top order (Devine, Bates, Plimmer)
Balanced bowling unit with left-arm variation and spin
World Cup winning experience in the squad

Key Challenges:

Death over consistency
Batting depth if top order fails
Adapting to conditions quickly

If they can click early and sustain momentum, a semifinal or better finish is within reach.

A Farewell or Another Chapter?

Will this be Suzie Bates’ final World Cup? The question hangs in the air. But whether it is or not, her presence alone elevates the tournament. She represents not just the grit of the White Ferns, but also the evolution of women’s cricket—from dusty nets and amateur contracts to glittering stadiums and global broadcasts.

In 2025, Suzie Bates isn’t just playing her fifth World Cup—she’s helping shape the future of the sport she helped build.
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