New Delhi, 28 June (H.S.):

Defending champions New Zealand crashed out of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England after losing to England, bringing the illustrious international careers of Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu to an emotional close. The trio received a guard of honour from players after the match in recognition of their remarkable contributions to New Zealand cricket.

All three veterans had announced before the start of the tournament that the June-July 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup would be their final international assignment.

Speaking after the match, New Zealand captain Amelia Kerr described the departure of the three stalwarts as the most emotional aspect of the team's exit.

Talking about Bates, Devine and Tahuhu leaving is probably the saddest part. Three legendary players are stepping away from our environment and from women's cricket. They will always be remembered for everything they have contributed to this team, Kerr said.

She added that the trio had played a vital role in shaping her career.

I learned so much from them. When I joined the New Zealand women's team as a young player, all three were already there. They guided me and welcomed me into the team. I feel incredibly grateful to have shared the dressing room with them for so many years, Kerr said.

Thirty-six-year-old Sophie Devine represented New Zealand in 317 international matches, including 159 One-Day Internationals and 158 T20 Internationals. She scored 4,279 runs in ODIs and 3,817 runs in T20Is, while also claiming a combined total of 241 wickets across the two formats.

Fast bowler Lea Tahuhu featured in 207 international matches, comprising 103 ODIs and 104 T20Is, and finished her career with 225 wickets.

Suzie Bates, one of New Zealand's most accomplished batters, played 184 ODIs and 186 T20Is. She amassed 5,982 runs in One-Day Internationals and 4,758 runs in T20 Internationals during her distinguished career.

In the 28th match of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup at Kennington Oval, New Zealand posted 163 for six in their allotted 20 overs after opting to bat first. England chased down the target comfortably, reaching 164 for one in just 17.2 overs to secure a commanding nine-wicket victory and end New Zealand's title defence.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar