New Delhi: The final clash of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 between New Zealand and South Africa will be one to remember for veteran Suzie Bates even before the match reaches its conclusion. The match, which is being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, has already lifted Suzie Bates in an elite list of women international players, redefining her presence and long dominance that she held in the game over the years.
After South Africa won the toss and opted to bowl first, skippers Laura Wolvaardt and Sophie Devine announced their playing XIs. Bates was well included in the XI of New Zealand, making it her 334th international appearance in women’s cricket. With this, she surpassed Mithali Raj who topped the list so far with 333 international appearances. But Bates has now become the most capped female player in international cricket.
A new high in women’s cricket for Suzie Bates 🤩 And what an occasion to bring it up! 🌟#T20WorldCup #WhateverItTakes #SAvNZ pic.twitter.com/pYVFyarzYo
— ICC (@ICC) October 20, 2024
The list also includes the likes of Ellyse Perry from Australia, Harmanpreet Kaur from India, and Charlotte Edwards from England.
Most appearances in Women’s international cricket
334 – Suzie Bates
333 – Mithali Raj
322 – Ellyse Perry
316 – Harmanpreet Kaur
309 – Charlotte Edwards
Bates equals Healy
This wasn’t it for the Kiwi veteran as she went on to equal her trans-Tasmanian rival Alyssa Healy for most appearances in the Women’s T20 World Cup. Although the list is led by Ellyse Perry who has been capped for 47 times in the marquee event, Bates and Healy sit joint-second with 42 appearances. Harmanpreet Kaur has taken the field 39 times while Sophie Devine is representing the White Ferns for the 36th time on Sunday.
Most appearances in Women’s T20 World Cup
47 – Ellyse Perry
42 – Suzie Bates
42 – Alyssa Healy
39 – Harmanpreet Kaur
36 – Sophie Devine
Bates, who opened the innings for New Zealand, scored 32 runs off 31 balls, hitting three fours and delivering a promising start to her side. She was dismissed by Nonkululeko Mlaba as she cleaned her bowled. Meanwhile, Devine departed (lbw) as well on a score of 6(10) off Nadine de Klerk. New Zealand are 110/3 after 15 overs.
