The White Ferns are deep into preparations for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, with a pre-tournament training camp in Dubai setting the tone for their campaign. Between 30th September and 2nd November, the 13th edition of the 50-over showpiece will unfold across India and Sri Lanka, and New Zealand are hoping for familiar success as they achieved on United Arab Emirates (UAE) soil, in the shorter format last year in October, where they clinched their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup crown, can inspire another historic run, this time, in the ODI format.
For veteran all-rounder Suzie Bates, the looming World Cup represents the fifth of her glittering career. The 38-year-old, who debuted in ODIs in 2006 against India at Lincoln, brings unmatched experience and weight of runs to the Kiwi line-up. Across 171 matches, Bates has amassed 5,896 runs at an average of 39.83 and a strike rate of 79.90, decorated with 13 centuries and 37 fifties. Her unforgettable 168 against Pakistan at Sydney in the 2009 World Cup still stands tall as a career highlight, a knock studded with 19 fours and six sixes. Also potent with the ball, she has claimed 81 wickets at 33.28, highlighted by a magical 4/7 versus South Africa in 2009.
Reflecting on her journey, Bates admitted that each World Cup has represented a different phase of her career. “These events are the pinnacle for me. I feel like each World Cup was a different phase of my career, coming on so naive to the first one in 2009 as an 18 or 19-year-old, to now, the game having evolved so much. Every team comes believing they can win the tournament,” Bates said.
Her World Cup imprint is equally commanding: 1,179 runs at 56.14 in 27 matches, including nine fifty-plus scores at a healthy strike rate of 84.82. Added to that is a World Cup four-wicket haul, underlining her all-round pedigree.
Landing in Dubai earlier this week, New Zealand were greeted with vivid memories of their T20 World Cup triumph last October, when Sophie Devine’s side defeated South Africa by 32 runs in the final. Bates admitted the return stirred emotions and a sense of unfinished business. “We have loved coming back here after almost 12 months. Reminiscing on those last 12 months and that special time for this group,” she said, before joking about celebrating future victories in the same city.
Much of New Zealand’s 2025 ODI campaign, however, depends on balancing veterans like Bates and Devine with the promise of rising stars. Georgia Plimmer, joint top run-scorer alongside Bates at the T20 World Cup with 150 runs, is already stepping into the role of a key contributor. Eden Carson, who bagged nine wickets at 16.33 in that tournament, will shoulder the spin-bowling duties again. Bates also highlighted the arrival of Bree Illing, an exciting left-arm pacer, and all-rounder Flora Devonshire, both set for their first major global tournament.
Much of New Zealand’s 2025 ODI campaign, however, depends on balancing veterans like Bates and Devine with the promise of rising stars. Georgia Plimmer, joint top run-scorer alongside Bates at the T20 World Cup with 150 runs, is already stepping into the role of a key contributor. Eden Carson, who bagged nine wickets at 16.33 in that tournament, will shoulder the spin-bowling duties again. Bates also highlighted the arrival of Bree Illing, an exciting left-arm pacer, and all-rounder Flora Devonshire, both set for their first major global tournament.
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup will bring together eight teams, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, between 30th September and 2nd November. Matches will take place across venues in India and Sri Lanka, promising subcontinental spin, variable wickets, and packed crowds.
New Zealand’s campaign begins with a blockbuster clash against defending champions Australia, led by Alyssa Healy, on 1st October at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore, from 3 PM IST. Having last played an ODI series at home in March, which they won 2-1 against Sri Lanka, the White Ferns enter the tournament with winning momentum, a mix of seasoned match-winners, and youthful energy primed for their biggest test yet.
New Zealand Squad:
Sophie Devine (C), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu
(Quotes sourced from ICC Official Press Release)
