The former New Zealand international, Sarah Tsukigawa, has been officially appointed as the women’s national selector for the White Ferns, marking a pivotal moment ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2024. Tsukigawa takes on this crucial role following Jason Wells’ departure in May, and she is expected to play a key part in shaping the future of the New Zealand women’s cricket team. As the tournament draws near, Tsukigawa’s input will be vital in building a competitive and balanced squad to take on the world’s best.
Tsukigawa’s experience and pedigree make her a perfect fit for the role. Her international career saw her feature in 42 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 19 T20 Internationals (T20Is) from 2006 to 2011. As an all-rounder, she played an important role for New Zealand, including in the 2009 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final, where she demonstrated her ability to contribute with both bat and ball. Alongside her international appearances, Tsukigawa made a significant impact at the domestic level, playing 153 matches for Otago Sparks. These experiences have provided her with a deep understanding of the game and a perspective that will be invaluable as a selector.
Tsukigawa’s appointment comes at a crucial time as New Zealand prepares to face Australia in a two-match series, followed by the much-anticipated T20 World Cup in the UAE in February 2024. As the new selector, her responsibilities will include working closely with White Ferns’ head coach, Ben Sawyer, to identify and assemble a squad capable of challenging for the World Cup. The duo is expected to unveil the team lineup soon, with an announcement slated for September 10 at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
In her role as selector, Tsukigawa will not only focus on the upcoming World Cup but will also play a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing talent within New Zealand’s women’s cricket pathway. As the head of talent identification and management, she will oversee succession planning for key players, a task that could become increasingly relevant with captain Sophie Devine’s plan to step down from her T20 captaincy post-World Cup. Devine, who has led the team for several years, is set to continue as ODI captain, but Tsukigawa’s guidance will be essential in ensuring that the leadership transition is smooth and that younger players are ready to step up to fill any voids in the future.
New Zealand’s women’s cricket has seen considerable progress in recent years, but they are still striving for consistency on the international stage. With Tsukigawa at the helm, the hope is that her fresh perspective and intimate knowledge of the domestic scene will help discover untapped potential and bring more depth to the national squad. One of her primary tasks will be balancing experienced players like Devine and Suzie Bates with emerging talents, ensuring the team is both competitive and forward-looking.
Tsukigawa’s involvement in women’s cricket goes beyond her playing days. After retiring as a player, she transitioned into coaching and selection roles, including serving as an assistant coach and selector for the Otago Sparks while continuing her teaching career in Dunedin. This mix of coaching, selection, and administrative experience has equipped her to take on the wider challenges that come with leading New Zealand’s national women’s team into an era that could see them push for more success at the global level.
New Zealand’s path in the upcoming T20 World Cup won’t be easy, as they face fierce competition from powerhouses like Australia, India, and England. However, with Tsukigawa’s leadership and strategic thinking guiding the selection process, the White Ferns can hope to field a well-rounded and competitive squad. Her emphasis on talent development will likely pay dividends, especially as New Zealand looks to groom the next generation of cricketers to ensure long-term success.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand’s preparations are now under the expert guidance of Tsukigawa. Her passion for the game and dedication to the growth of women’s cricket make her a valuable addition to the national setup. With the squad announcement imminent and the tournament on the horizon, Tsukigawa’s influence will undoubtedly shape the future of New Zealand’s women’s cricket, both in the short term and for years to come.
The White Ferns will now move forward with renewed confidence, knowing that Tsukigawa’s vision will drive their journey as they strive to lift the T20 World Cup trophy.