Durham has made history by signing New Zealand cricket star Suzie Bates as their first-ever overseas player for the women’s team. Bates, who is set to join for the entire 2025 season, will participate in both the T20 Blast and the One-Day Cup.
At 37 years old, Bates brings a wealth of experience, having earned 348 caps for the New Zealand women’s cricket team, the White Ferns. She holds the record for the most runs in T20 internationals among female cricketers, with an impressive 4,716 runs. This tally is nearly 1,000 runs more than her nearest competitor, India’s Smriti Mandhana. Additionally, she has accumulated 5,896 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), including 13 centuries, making her the only New Zealander to surpass 10,000 runs in white-ball cricket.
Bates expressed her enthusiasm about joining Durham, stating, “I can’t wait to get over to Durham and join a talented squad and add my experience to the group.” Since her debut in 2006, she has established herself as one of the most remarkable figures in women’s cricket. Bates also has a diverse sports background, having represented New Zealand in basketball at the 2008 Olympics before fully committing to cricket.
Her accolades include being named Player of the Tournament at the 2013 World Cup and receiving the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award in the same year. In a stunning performance at the T20 World Cup in South Africa last year, she led the tournament in runs while helping the White Ferns secure their first title.
Previously, Bates has played in England for Hampshire and Kent and has captained the Oval Invincibles to victory in The Hundred in 2022. Durham’s director of cricket, Marcus North, described Bates as a “perfect fit,” highlighting her unparalleled international and domestic record and her extensive experience across different formats and countries.
The signing of Suzie Bates not only marks a significant milestone for Durham but also reflects the growing opportunities for women in sports. As more women make strides in cricket, it paves the way for future generations and inspires aspiring female athletes to pursue their dreams with determination and ambition.
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