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Veteran New Zealand opener Suzie Bates has referred to Sophie Devine, Lee Tahuhu, and herself as the grandmas of the side. This comes ahead of their Women's T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa on Sunday, October 20. The 35-year-old said that winning the semi-final was quite special and the trio is looking forward to the decider.
Bates, Devine, and Tahuhu have a staggering 402 T20I appearances between them, making them long-standing servants of the side. Devine, the skipper, has notably made her ninth T20 World Cup appearance this year.
Ahead of the final against South Africa in Dubai, Bates said they are extremely proud of still standing strong despite going through various things personally and professionally. As quoted by ICC, the Otago-born athlete said:
"We're the grandmas of the team. We're still standing, I think. Leah with her bionic knee, Sophie just having dealt with a lot of stuff as captain over the last few years and me just keeping on going and going.
"It's just a really special moment when you know there's been some tough times and the three of us in particular have been through the ups and downs and to have that moment and knowing we'd made the semifinals which gives yourself a chance was really special so we look after each other us old girls and try and keep up with some of the younger players."
The White Ferns suffered their only loss in the campaign to Australia as they fell short 80 runs off the target. However, they recovered well from that defeat and beat the West Indies to reach the final.
"Just so calm" - Suzie Bates on Sophie Devine's captaincy
The right-handed batter also heaped praise on Devine's captaincy in the multi-nation event and claimed it's sad to see her step down after this. She added:
"I think she's been absolutely brilliant in her captaincy. Just so calm. I think the decisions she's made in these conditions have been brilliant. So, it's unfortunate that she's stepping aside, but thankfully it's just as captain."
A win on Sunday for either of the teams will be their first T20 World Cup crown.
