World Cup success has helped earn Aussie Ben Sawyer a two-year extension as White Ferns coach.
The NZ women rode a 10-match losing streak into last month's Twenty20 tournament, but took full advantage of a favourable draw — avoiding title favourites Australia and England in the knockout rounds — to defeat South Africa in the final for their first world crown in the short format.
The result probably went a long way to preserving Sawyer's grip on the national team job, after maiden defeats to Sri Lanka and Pakistan in recent series.
"We’re so pleased to have Ben sign on for another two years," said NZ Cricket women's high performance head Liz Green. "He’s unlocked a lot of belief and trust in this group, and to have him stay now is massive, both for the current squad and the long-term planning for the White Ferns.
"The consistency and stability is important."
Sawyer has gained recognition for introducing and developing younger players who emerged from the World Cup with enhanced reputations, including batter Georgia Plimmer, wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze, and spin-bowlers Fran Jonas and Eden Carson.
"Ben’s played a big part in progressing the White Ferns and helping build the women’s pathway," said Green.
"Many of our young players who made their international debut on Ben’s first tour two years ago are starting to thrive, as we saw in the recent T20 World Cup.
"There was a huge amount of growth during that tournament, a result of what Ben and the coaches have been building over the last two years."
Sawyer inherited the job from predecessor Bob Carter just before the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where New Zealand lost to eventual gold medallists Australia in the semis, but overcame hosts England for bronze.
He had previously guided the Sydney Sixers to two Women's Big Bash titles and two other final appearances, and served as Australia assistant coach, specialising in fast-bowling. He has also coached Royal Challengers Bangbalore in the Indian Women's Premier League.
"I’m stoked Ben's re-signed with us,” said Ferns captain Sophie Devine. “The work he’s done with the White Ferns group and for women’s cricket in New Zealand has been huge.
"The team is in a great spot right now, so I think locking him in for another two years and having that consistency will be big for us."
The world champions next face Australia in a three-match one-day series, starting December 19 at Wellington's Basin Reserve.
Watch the White Ferns' ODI series with Australia live as part of the summer of cricket on TVNZ+ and TVNZ's Duke
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