Suzie Bates

New Zealand cricket all-rounder and former captain, one of the greatest women's cricketers with over 7000 ODI runs and multiple ICC awards.

New Zealand's greatest women's cricketer and one of the finest batters in the history of the game — the first woman to score 5,000 ODI runs for New Zealand and the anchor of White Ferns batting across three formats for over 15 years. Cricket demands skill, patience and tactical intelligence maintained over extended periods of competition at the highest international level. Career highlights included ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2012, 2014, New Zealand Women's Player of the Year multiple times, First NZ woman to 5000 ODI runs. The dedication required to reach and maintain elite level in cricket is rarely appreciated by outside observers, yet Suzie's record speaks precisely to that kind of sustained commitment. The longevity and quality of Suzie's achievements place them among the most respected figures in the modern history of cricket.

Bates is an aggressive top-order batter known for her powerful strokeplay and ability to dominate bowling attacks. She combines technical proficiency with an attacking mindset, particularly effective in scoring boundaries through the off-side. As an occasional off-spin bowler, she provides useful bowling options and is an exceptional fielder.

Bates has been instrumental in raising the profile of women's cricket in New Zealand and globally through her consistent performances and leadership over more than 15 years of international cricket.

• ICC Women's Cricketer of the Year 2012, 2014
• New Zealand Women's Player of the Year multiple times
• First NZ woman to 5000 ODI runs