New Zealand’s Women’s Cricket: From Underdogs to World Cup Contenders
The White Ferns lifted their first ICC trophy in 24 years when they won the 2024 T20 World Cup. Amelia Kerr, New Zealand’s star all-rounder, believes this is only the beginning and that the next decade could define women’s cricket in her country.
Heading into the 50-over Women’s World Cup, the team carries momentum and confidence, even if bookmakers and pundits don’t list them among the favourites.
Why the “underdog” tag works for New Zealand
Kerr explained that being overlooked allows New Zealand to play with freedom.
“People don’t talk about us as favourites, but we use that to our advantage,” she said. “We like working quietly, preparing hard, and then showing our best when the chance comes.”
This approach helped them surprise everyone in 2024, when they entered the T20 tournament after 10 consecutive defeats, only to turn things around and beat South Africa in the final.
Coach Ben Sawyer: “We can beat anyone on our day”
New Zealand’s ODI form has been inconsistent: since the 2022 World Cup, they’ve won 11 of 29 matches and lost 7 of their last 10 completed games. Despite this, head coach Ben Sawyer isn’t discouraged.
Speaking on BBC’s Stumped podcast, Sawyer admitted Australia, India, and England are currently stronger on paper, but reminded fans:
- “In a World Cup, you only need to beat the best teams once.”
- “On any given day, we can match them.”
Sawyer also recalled advice from Matthew Mott, former coach of Australia Women and England Men: “Don’t go into a final as underdogs. Attack from the front.” That mindset, he says, will guide the Ferns in future tournaments.
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Kerr, Plimmer, and Gaze: a new core is emerging
While veterans Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu add valuable experience, the squad also includes young talent ready to shape the next era.
- Amelia Kerr (24): New Zealand’s top ODI run-scorer since the last World Cup with 927 runs and 23 wickets.
- Georgia Plimmer (21): Joint-highest run-scorer at the 2024 T20 World Cup with 150 runs, showing promise under pressure.
- Izzy Gaze (20): A wicketkeeper with sharp reflexes and attacking batting skills, already showing leadership qualities.
Kerr praised her teammates:
- “Plimmer works hard, she wants to be great.”
- “Izzy has leadership in her, and she can bat 360 degrees.”
A balanced mix of youth and experience
New Zealand’s current squad blends seasoned players with the next generation. Devine will retire after this tournament, but Bates and Tahuhu continue to bring resilience and big-match experience. Young players like Plimmer and Gaze ensure that the future looks bright.
This balance was a key factor in winning the 2024 T20 World Cup, and it will be just as important in 50-over cricket.
Why New Zealand matters in women’s cricket today
- They ended a 24-year ICC trophy drought in 2024.
- They are proving competitive despite limited resources compared to Australia or England.
- They’ve inspired a new wave of women cricketers in New Zealand, with WPL (Women’s Premier League) exposure further boosting talent development.
Conclusion
New Zealand are no longer outsiders — they’re genuine contenders. With Kerr at the centre, and players like Plimmer and Gaze stepping up, the next five to ten years could define a golden period for the White Ferns.
As Sawyer said, “We can beat anyone on our day.” And if the 2024 T20 World Cup taught us anything, it’s that underestimating New Zealand is a mistake rivals can’t afford to make.
