Suzie Bates is one of the most famous women cricketers from New Zealand. She is strong, smart, and super talented. Many fans around the world love her because she plays cricket with her heart. Suzie has done amazing things in her career. She has made big scores, broken records, and won hearts.
But Suzie is more than just a cricketer. She is also a kind person, a leader, and an inspiration for many young girls. This article tells you everything about Suzie Bates—her height, age, boyfriend, family, cricket journey, controversies (if any), and more.
Let’s explore the exciting life of Suzie Bates in easy language.
Quick Info Table
| Name | Suzie Bates |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suzannah Wilson Bates |
| Date of Birth | September 16, 1987 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 37 years |
| Birthplace | Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Profession | Cricketer, Former Basketball Player |
| Nationality | New Zealander |
| Batting Style | Right-handed batter |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm medium |
| Role | Top-order batter, occasional bowler |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
Early Life and Childhood
Suzie Bates was born in the beautiful city of Dunedin in New Zealand. She grew up in a big family with three brothers and one sister. From a young age, she was always active and full of energy. Suzie liked to play all kinds of sports like rugby, basketball, and cricket.
She went to Otago Girls’ High School, where she started taking sports more seriously. Her parents supported her dreams and let her follow her heart. Suzie loved cricket, but she also became very good at basketball. In fact, she even played basketball for New Zealand in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
This shows that Suzie was not just born with talent—she worked hard for it.
Cricket Career Journey
Start of Her Cricket Career
Suzie started playing cricket for Otago in New Zealand’s domestic league. She impressed everyone with her fearless batting. In 2006, she got her big chance when she made her international debut for New Zealand against India. She was only 18 years old back then.
From her first match, people could see that Suzie was special. She batted with confidence and power. Slowly, she became one of the best players in the New Zealand women’s team.
Rise to Stardom
Suzie’s big break came during the 2009 ICC Women’s World Cup. She played amazing innings and helped her team reach the final. Though they lost to England, Suzie stood out with her performance.
In the following years, she kept scoring big runs. In 2013, she was named ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. She also became the captain of New Zealand and led the team in many matches.
She became the first woman to score 3,000 runs in T20 Internationals. In 2022, she broke another record and became the first woman to score 1,000 runs in T20 World Cups. These records show how consistent and great she is.
Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Apart from playing for New Zealand, Suzie has also played in many T20 leagues around the world:
- Adelaide Strikers & Perth Scorchers (WBBL – Australia)
- Southern Vipers and Oval Invincibles (The Hundred – England)
- Suzie Bates also played for the Sydney Sixers in WBBL 2024–25 season, where she scored over 300 runs in the season and played a key role in helping her team reach the playoffs.
She continues to be a top performer even in her late 30s, proving that age is just a number.
Playing Style and Strengths
Suzie Bates is a right-handed batter who opens the innings. She loves to drive the ball through the covers and plays with great timing. Her footwork is solid, and she handles pace and spin very well.
She also bowls medium pace and has taken many wickets for her team, especially in the early years of her career. But her main role is as a batter.
She is also a smart fielder and often fields in important positions like point and cover.
Suzie is known for her fitness and energy on the field. She leads by example and always gives her best.
Personal Life and Family
Suzie Bates keeps her personal life very private. She is not married and hasn’t shared any details about a boyfriend or partner as of 2025. She focuses fully on her cricket and stays away from the media spotlight.
She is very close to her family. Her mother, father, brothers, and sister have always supported her. Suzie says her family is her biggest strength. Even now, they come to see her matches when she plays in New Zealand.
She is also friends with many players around the world and is known for her humble and kind nature.
Off the Field
When Suzie is not playing cricket, she loves relaxing at the beach, listening to music, or going for long walks. She also likes reading and sometimes shares book recommendations with fans on social media.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from the University of Otago. Suzie also works with young girls and promotes women’s sports in New Zealand. She often visits schools and speaks about the importance of sports, hard work, and following dreams.
In 2023, she was honored with the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to cricket.
Controversies and Challenges
Suzie Bates has had a clean and respectful image throughout her career. She is not involved in any controversies. She respects her team, fans, and opponents.
Like all athletes, she faced injuries and tough matches. In 2020, she got a shoulder injury that kept her away from cricket for months. Many thought it would be the end of her career. But Suzie didn’t give up. She trained hard, recovered, and came back stronger.
That shows her strong will and fighter spirit.
Records and Achievements
Suzie Bates has created history many times. Here are some of her biggest achievements:
- Most runs in Women’s T20 Internationals (3000+ runs as of 2025)
- First woman to score 1000 runs in T20 World Cups
- Most ODI centuries for New Zealand women
- ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year – 2013
- Captain of New Zealand from 2011 to 2018
- Played in five Women’s World Cups and six T20 World Cups
- Over 5000 runs in Women’s ODIs (as of 2025)
She is truly one of the greatest female cricketers of all time.
Life in 2025 and Future Plans
As of 2025, Suzie Bates is still playing international and domestic cricket. Even at 37, she is one of the fittest and most reliable players in the team. She played a major role in the 2024 T20 World Cup and is likely to feature in upcoming matches too.
Suzie has said that she will think about retirement when she feels it’s time. But for now, she is enjoying her game and inspiring young girls to play cricket.
She may also become a coach, sports mentor, or cricket commentator in the future. With her experience, knowledge, and calm nature, she would be perfect for those roles.
