Ben Sawyer, the mastermind behind the White Ferns’ 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup triumph, has been reappointed as head coach for another two years. His extended contract secures his role until December 2026, encompassing the highly anticipated ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and the 2026 T20 World Cup in England, where the White Ferns will aim to defend their title.
Sawyer initially joined the New Zealand women’s cricket team in June 2022 on a two-year deal, stepping into the role just before the Commonwealth Games. His tenure saw an early success when the White Ferns clinched a bronze medal at the event, defeating England in the medal match.
Over the years, the team played 45 matches under his leadership, winning 21 and enduring 22 losses. However, the period leading up to the 2024 T20 World Cup was challenging, with the team managing only three wins in 18 matches between October 2023 and September 2024. Nonetheless, in a dramatic turnaround, Sawyer’s side delivered a performance for the ages at the T20 World Cup, winning five of six games to secure the championship title.
New Zealand Cricket (NZC) Head of Women’s High Performance, Liz Green, praised Sawyer’s efforts and expressed optimism for the team’s future, “We’re so pleased to have Ben sign on for another two years,” said Green.
Green emphasized the visible growth within the team, “Ben played a big part in progressing the White Ferns and helping build the women’s pathway. Many of our young players who made their international debut on Ben’s first tour two years ago are starting to thrive, as we saw in the recent T20 World Cup. There was a huge amount of growth during that tournament, a result of what Ben and the coaches have been building over the last two years.”
“I’m stoked that Ben’s re-signed with us. The work he’s done with the White Ferns group and for women’s cricket in New Zealand has been huge. The team is in a great spot right now, so I think locking him in for another two years and having that consistency will be big for us,” said Sophie Devine, the White Ferns skipper as she shared her excitement about Sawyer’s reappointment, highlighting the value of stability in the team’s progress.
While the team’s T20 record under Sawyer has been commendable, improving their ODI performance remains a priority. With just nine wins from 24 ODIs during his tenure, the White Ferns face a critical challenge. Their most recent ODI series ended in a 1-2 defeat to India, leaving them sixth on the ICC Women’s Championship points table with 20 points.
The White Ferns’ final series in the cycle—a three-match showdown against Australia—will be pivotal. To avoid the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2025, New Zealand must deliver a near-flawless performance.
The upcoming Rose Bowl series against Australia, scheduled for December 19, 21, and 23 at Wellington’s Cello Basin Reserve, has already sparked excitement among fans. New Zealand Cricket announced free entry for the first ODI, leading to a surge in ticket reservations. Adding to the excitement, the White Ferns will showcase their ICC T20 World Cup trophy during the matches, giving fans a unique opportunity to see it up close and take photos.
As the White Ferns prepare to face the formidable Australian side, Sawyer’s focus will be on leveraging the team’s recent momentum to elevate their ODI game and secure a strong finish to the Championship cycle. The squad for the Rose Bowl series will be announced later this week, marking the start of what promises to be an electrifying contest.
(Quotes sourced from NZC media release)
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