Suzie Bates (R) and Sophie Devine (L) of New Zealand celebrate their win over Pakistan at the 2024 T20 World Cup in UAE. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The two veterans of the White Ferns squad have shared some love as they prepare for a World Cup semi-final, possibly their last together.
New Zealand secured their place in the last four of the T20 tournament in the UAE with a 54 run victory over Pakistan on Tuesday morning.
It is the first time the White Ferns have reached the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup since 2016.
Captain Sophie Devine and opening bat Suzie Bates are two of the most experienced cricketers still playing internationally.
37 year old Bates has played 332 games for her country since debuting in 2006, while 35 year old Devine has played 288.
The pair have been through quite an international dry spell for New Zealand. They were beaten finalists in the T20 World Cups in 2009 and 2010 and the ODI World Cup in 2009.
Since then New Zealand have made the semi-finals of a tournament just three times until now.
Devine was quite emotional when she discussed the relationship she has with Bates, a woman she has spent her whole career playing with.
"Sometimes I forget how lucky I've been to play with Suz, I forget that not everyone gets to play with her.
"You talk to any cricketer that has had the joy to play alongside or against her and they'll say she's one of the greatest humans ever.
Captain's Suzie Bates of Otago and Sophie Devine of Wellington, 2015. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
One wonders how many more years the pair have in them.
"For us to be at this tournament, it might be our last, and to have a little moment there (hug after the Pakistan win) it is really special because we've been through a lot together."
Devine said Bates' contribution hasn't just been to New Zealand cricket.
"She'll go down as one of the legends of the women's game."
In response Bates said it was nice to see Devine shed a tear and show her emotions talking about her.
"She can be pretty staunch at times but we know in this group how much this team means to her.
"So for her to have that moment as captain was probably a bit of a relief (that they had made the semi-finals)."
Bates says the way Devine reacts to the game is something they can all learn from.
"She's never too up or too down and when she's in front of the team she's always level and calm.
"She's one of the best players in the world, a once in a lifetime and you won't see many more Sophie Devine's.
Devine has already announced that she will step down as captain of the T20 side following this tournament.
From what they continue to contribute to the side, form won't be a consideration if there are being questions asked about their future in the game.
Bates is the leading run scorer in T20 internationals with 4526 runs, while she is the third highest run scorer in ODI's with 5718.
New Zealand play West Indies in their T20 World Cup semi-final in Sharjah on Saturday morning.
Australia play South Africa in the other semi-final.
Stats
Dejected White Ferns bowler Sophie Devine after a loss to Australia in 2006. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Suzie Bates 2006 to 2024
ODIs 163 games, 5718 runs at an average of 40.55, high score of 168. 78 wickets
T20Is 169 games, 4526 runs at an average of 29.38, high score of 124*. 58 wickets
Sophie Devine 2006 to 2024
ODI's 147 games, 3860 runs at an average of 31.90, high score of 145. 101 wickets
T20Is 141 games, 3373 runs at an average of 28.58, high score of 105. 117 wickets
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