White Ferns captain Suzie Bates has been named the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Women’s World Cup in India, having finished as the leading run-scorer in her side’s fourth place finish.
Bates was prolific with the bat throughout the 18-day campaign and finished with a spectacular average of 67.83 over seven innings. A brilliant century against Australia was the most memorable innings, while three further half-centuries were also highlights.
She contributed four wickets with the ball too, as well as keeping to her usual high standards in the field with some remarkable catches.
The 25 year-old felt privileged to receive the award, but was already looking forward to the White Ferns future opportunities for silverware.
“It was tough to be watching the final and not be in it, but from a personal point of view, winning a trophy at the end of this tournament is really pleasing,” said Bates.
“I’m honoured to have been named the Player of the Tournament, but now it’s time for us to go back to the drawing board in New Zealand and make sure we continue to improve, similar to the rapid progress that the West Indies, Sri Lanka and South Africa have made.”
It caps off a brilliant summer for Bates, who also had a big impact in the recent Rose Bowl and Twenty20 series in Australia. Over the course of the tournaments she became just the third White Fern ever to have scored four consecutive half-centuries.