New Zealand seek to turn 2024 fairytale into legacy

In a nutshell:Hope is New Zealand's gift to this T20 World Cup. Arriving on the back of a 10-match losing streak, New Zealand looked among the least likely contenders before a famous opening-night victory over India in Dubai sparked the competition's most remarkable title run. Their triumph in 2024, against all odds, left behind two kinds of hope. For everyone else, it was the belief that form and forecasts can be overturned at a World Cup. For New Zealand themselves, it was the belief that what they pulled off was not an anomaly, but a standard they can reach again (and again).

Now, hope is what they carry into the 2026 edition in the UK, at the end of which three stalwarts are set to walk off into the sunset. Despite a few bumps in the road during the most recent build-up, and lingering questions over their opening combination, the defending champions are chasing more than just a fairytale ending. New Zealand are chasing the shot to prove that their greatest triumph wasn't a one-off but the start of a new dawn.

Squad:Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp, Lea Tahuhu

Best XI:Suzie Bates, Izzy Gaze (wk), Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Sharp, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Bree Illing/Nensi Patel, Lea Tahuhu

Players to keep an eye on:

Amelia Kerr: New Zealand's newest captain began her full-time term with an unbeaten 101 against Zimbabwe. She's smashed 472 runs in 10 innings since, at a staggering average of 52.44, to go with 11 wickets in as many games. Both her hundreds in T20Is have come in the last five months. New Zealand would be hoping the skipper can leave the forgetful England series behind and lead from the front as they aim to defend their crown.

Sophie Devine: New Zealand's T20 World Cup winning captain isn't far behind, with 382 runs in the same period. She's looked in ominous touch throughout the England series in the lead-up to the marquee tournament, scoring 45 and 87 in back-to-back games. She's also a considerable threat with the ball in those conditions, arguably bowling at her finest in the shortest format over the last 18 months while nearing retirement.

What's in the news:The "grandmas" are retiring. Former skippers Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine, as well as pace spearhead Lea Tahuhu are set to bid adieu to international cricket at the end of the World Cup.

Where they finished in 2024: On the podium, lifting their maiden T20 title.

How have they performed since then:New Zealand have played 14 of their 17 T20Is in this World Cup cycle at home, which may not necessarily be a disadvantage given the similarity in conditions there in the UK. The series against World Cup hosts England - one they lost 1-2 - was their only away assignment in the format since becoming champions in Dubai. Overall, New Zealand won nine and conceded seven in this period, with five of those losses coming against Australia (3) and England (2).

The big game: If they follow their tactical blueprint from the 2024 World Cup, New Zealand would have already earmarked the opening fixture against the unpredictable West Indies as the one virtual shootout for a semis berth. But, Sri Lanka could be the banana peel they need to be vary of. Afterall, New Zealand's World Cup cycle as reigning champions began with a shock 7-wicket loss to Sri Lanka at home before they eventually drew the series 1-1 (one no-result).

A record in sight:Devine is 281 runs from entering the 4,000 run club in Women's T20Is. The chart is currently led by her compatriot Bates (4720), who could become the first-ever in the 5,000 run club just before hanging her boots. Amelia Kerr, meanwhile, plays her 100th T20I when she leads New Zealand onto the field for their tournament opener. Lastly, Tahuhu is one wicket away from 100 scalps in T20Is.

Realistic expectation:At least the semifinals. On current form, New Zealand should make the top-two in their group and progress to the knockouts.

League stage schedule