England Pays Tribute to New Zealand Icons Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu Following T20 World Cup Exit

England Women halted New Zealand Women’s title defence at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, yet the events after the final delivery showed that some moments rise above the scoreboard.

After securing a dominant nine‑wicket win at The Oval and eliminating the defending champions, England’s players joined the New Zealand line‑up to form an emotional guard of honour for three of the White Ferns’ all‑time greats—Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates, and Lea Tahuhu—as they closed the chapter on their international careers.

The heartfelt gesture elicited warm applause from the packed crowd as the trio marched through the guard of honour one last time in New Zealand colours. It was a befitting farewell for three athletes who have helped define the modern era of women’s cricket and inspired a generation of players worldwide.

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The trio leaves behind remarkable legacies. Devine established herself as one of the finest all‑rounders in women’s cricket through fearless batting, effective pace bowling, and inspirational leadership. Bates enjoyed one of the longest and most successful careers in the sport, setting benchmarks for consistency across formats, while Tahuhu earned a reputation as one of the fastest and fiercest pace bowlers to represent New Zealand.

Together, Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu amassed 448 T20I appearances, underscoring the vast experience and influence they brought to the White Ferns over the years.

While Danni Wyatt‑Hodge’s unbeaten 89 powered England to victory and secured a semi‑final berth, the enduring image of the evening was the emotional farewell extended to Devine, Bates, and Tahuhu. As they departed the international stage together, they were surrounded by teammates, opponents, and fans united in admiration of three extraordinary careers.

From Group B, England and the West Indies have qualified for the semifinals of the ongoing World Cup. Meanwhile, no team has yet advanced from Group A, which comprises Australia, India, South Africa, Bangladesh, the Netherlands, and Pakistan.

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