• New Zealand's young star Izzy Gaze, a player to watch out for who can turn the game around with her keeping skills and strokeplay.

  • The upcoming Women's T20 World Cup 2024 will kick off in October in the United Arab Emirates.

All you need to know about Izzy Gaze: New Zealand’s prodigy behind the stumps at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
All you need to know about Izzy Gaze New Zealand’s prodigy behind the stumps at the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024

As the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 looms closer, excitement is building around the rising star, Izzy Gaze. The talented young cricketer has earned her spot on the New Zealand squad, generating significant anticipation among fans and experts. With her impressive performances and undeniable flair, Gaze is poised to make a significant mark on the global stage. Her journey, marked by resilience and talent, has seen her rise from local cricket to international stardom in a remarkably short span.

Izzy Gaze playing of New Zealand U-19
Izzy Gaze playing of New Zealand U-19 women’s team

From local cricket to international debut

Gaze, born on May 8 2004 in Netherlands, began her cricketing journey in Auckland, where she honed her skills as a wicketkeeper. Her exceptional hand-eye coordination and instinctive reflexes quickly caught the attention of selectors. A standout performance in domestic cricket earned her a coveted spot in the New Zealand central contract for the 2022/23 season.

Izzy Gaze playing in New Zealand's domestic circuit
Izzy Gaze playing in New Zealand’s domestic circuit

Also READ: WATCH: Ellyse Perry entangles herself in the comedy of errors to lose her wicket in AUS-W vs NZ-W 2nd T20I

Exceptional performance at commonwealth Games

At the tender age of 18, Gaze made her international debut for the White Ferns at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham against South Africa. Despite the pressure of representing her country on the global stage, she displayed remarkable composure and skill behind the stumps. The White Ferns’ bronze medal win at the Games was a testament to Gaze’s contributions.

Izzy Gaze selected for Commonwealth Games 2022
Izzy Gaze selected for Commonwealth Games 2022

A promising start with great talent

Following her Commonwealth Games debut, Gaze continued to impress with her wicketkeeping prowess and batting ability. She was selected for the New Zealand team that toured the West Indies in the winter of 2022, where the White Ferns clinched both the One-Day and T20 series.

Gaze’s batting style is characterized by her inventive approach and ability to adapt to different conditions. Her aggressive play and willingness to take risks have made her a valuable asset to the White Ferns batting lineup.

Izzy Gaze against West Indies
Izzy Gaze against South Africa

A bright prospect for the future

Gaze’s journey is far from over. She has already made significant strides in her career, but her potential for future success is immense. As a young and talented cricketer, she has the opportunity to become one of the leading wicketkeepers and batters in the world.

With her exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and a supportive environment, Gaze is poised to make a lasting impact on women’s cricket. Her story serves as an inspiration to young athletes around the world, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and talent, anything is possible.

Izzy gaze a prospect for the future
Izzy gaze a prospect for the future

Also READ: Australia seal series with dominant win over New Zealand by 29 runs in the 2nd T20I

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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About the Author:
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.