Suzie Bates      

Suzie Bates made an impression that any young aspiring cricketer would dream of making. Playing her club cricket for Otago Women, Bates was called up for her international debut against India in the ODI series in 2006. She grabbed the opportunity with both hands, by constantly scoring runs for her country, helping New Zealand to a 4-1 series victory. Bates didn't make the trip to Australia for the Rose Bowl Series in October the same year but she justified her selection for the Quadrangular series in India in early 2007 by scoring her maiden ODI century in just her ninth game. New Zealand made it to the final of the tournament but lost it to Australia. Bates got 241 runs at 34.42 from seven games.

Her batting style is attacking though not without a fair amount of risk. She was included in the England tour of 2007 but her performances tailed off after a strong start in that series.

However, she was an instrumental part of New Zealand's march to the World Cup final in 2009. A four-wicket haul ensured victory against South Africa in the league phase, and a calm, unbeaten 47 guided them to the target in the crucial Super Six game against India. The best was yet to come, though; she smashed 168 in 105 balls - the highest for New Zealand in women's ODIs - against Pakistan to confirm her side's place in the final.

A talented athlete, she has also won representative honours in basketball, playing for New Zealand in the 2008 Olympics.
Cricinfo Staff March 2009