New Zealand will be led by Sophie Devine, and have recalled wicketkeeper Bernadine Bezuidenhout to their 15-member squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in South Africa from February 10. They have left out Jess MacFayden, who was part of the squad against Bangladesh in December.

Bezuidenhout, 29, last played for New Zealand in January 2020 before being sidelined due to RED-S, or Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport. However, she came back following a strong performance for Northern Districts in this year’s List A tournament, where she made 191 runs in five games at an average of 63.66, including a hundred.

Devine had pulled out of the last three Super Smash games citing fitness issues, but has now regained full fitness. Fran Jones, who did not play in the under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup due to an injury, is fit as well and has been picked in the senior Women’s T20 World Cup squad. Georgia Plimmer, who played the u19 tournament, has also been picked.

New Zealand have roped in former South Africa quick Morne Morkel as their ‘tour coach’ for the event. Morkel was a part of the Namibia coaching staff for the Men’s T20 World Cup last year in Australia. He will offer general coaching support along with fast bowling support to New Zealand.

New Zealand are in Group A, along with South Africa, Bangladesh, Australia and Sri Lanka.

NZ Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 full squad and team list

Sophie Devine(c), Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout (wk), Eden Carson, Lauren Down, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu