New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially extended Ben Sawyer’s tenure as head coach of the White Ferns for another two years. This decision follows the team’s historic success in winning their first-ever ICC Women’s T20 World Cup earlier this year in the UAE. Sawyer will now remain with the team until December 2026, overseeing major tournaments like the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India in 2025 and the T20 World Cup title defense in England in 2026.
Sawyer’s Impact on the White Ferns
Appointed in June 2022, Ben Sawyer has been a transformative figure for New Zealand’s women’s cricket. His leadership has unlocked the team’s potential, instilling belief and trust among the players. Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance, praised his contributions:
“Ben has been instrumental in progressing the White Ferns and building a pathway for the future. His work has fostered immense growth, as seen in the recent T20 World Cup.”
White Ferns Captain Sophie Devine’s Praise
Team captain Sophie Devine expressed her excitement about Sawyer’s reappointment:
“I’m stoked Ben’s re-signed with us. His dedication to women’s cricket in New Zealand has been phenomenal, and his consistency will be crucial as we aim for more success.”
Upcoming Challenges
Sawyer’s next major assignment will be the three-match ODI series against Australia in Wellington on December 19, 21, and 23, 2024. This series is part of the ICC Women’s Championship and is vital for New Zealand’s automatic qualification for the 2025 ODI World Cup.
Milestones Under Ben Sawyer
| Year | Achievement |
|---|---|
| June 2022 | Appointed as head coach of the White Ferns |
| October 2024 | Contract extended after the tour to India |
| October 2024 | Led New Zealand to their first-ever Women’s T20 World Cup victory |
| December 2024 | Reappointed until December 2026 |
The NZC has emphasized the importance of consistency and stability under Sawyer’s leadership. His focus on nurturing young talent and building a robust team culture has laid the foundation for long-term success. Fans can look forward to the T20 World Cup trophy being showcased during the Australia series, a testament to the team’s remarkable journey under Sawyer.
