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New Zealand's Suzie Bates sidelined with quadriceps tear; ruled out of action for a long time

Akshita Patel

Suzie Bates to be ruled out for long time [Source: @KanakKu64995524/X.com]Suzie Bates to be ruled out for long time [Source: @KanakKu64995524/X.com]

New Zealand Women cricket team has suffered a major setback with experienced opener Suzie Bates being ruled out of action until at least March. This come after she picked up a quadriceps tear. The 38-year-old White Ferns batter will be sidelined for around three months.

Bates sustained the injury last month while fielding in a Hallyburton Johnstone Shield match for Otago.

What initially seemed like a routine setback turned serious after scans confirmed a significant tear in her quadriceps. Medical advice has ruled her out of cricketing action for the remainder of the domestic season.

Suzie Bates advised a three-month injury layoff

As a result, Suzie Bates will miss Otago Sparks’ home campaign, including the Super Smash, a tournament she was particularly looking forward to. 

More importantly, she will also be unavailable for New Zealand’s upcoming home series against Zimbabwe, scheduled to begin in late February. 

The White Ferns are set to play a three-match ODI and T20I series against Zimbabwe starting February 25 in Hamilton, but they will have to do so without one of their most experienced players.  

Reacting to the news, Suzie Bates admitted her disappointment but remained focused on recovery. She made it clear that her main goal is to return to full fitness in time for New Zealand’s tour of South Africa in March.

“I’m gutted to be missing out this summer, I was really looking forward to another season with the Sparks, especially the Super Smash. I’m determined to get back on the field with the White Ferns in March so that’ll be my focus for now," Bates said in a statement.

If her rehabilitation goes according to plan, Bates is expected to be back for the South Africa tour, where New Zealand are scheduled to play both T20I and ODI series. 

That tour could be crucial for the White Ferns as they begin preparations for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026, which is just six months away.

Suzie Bates had a tough World Cup campaign

Interestingly, Suzie Bates was last seen in international action during the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. 

It was a tough tournament for both her and the team, as New Zealand finished sixth with just one win in their seven games. For Bates, it was also not her best performance, with just 40 runs from five outings at a strike rate of 61.53.