New Zealand captain Sophie Devine and Hannah Rowe celebrate with Suzi Bates after winning the 3rd T20 International against England, Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The White Ferns have been trying to develop the quality within their side in recent years, but the big three will again be relied on when they take on England in the fourth T20 in Wellington on Wednesday.
Captain Sophie Devine and all-rounder Amelia Kerr were unavailable for the opening game won by the tourists and returned in the game two loss.
In game three Kerr scored 44 and Devine 60, while opening batter Suzie Bates excelled with the ball, taking two wickets for four runs in the final over victory.
New Zealand won by three runs.
The expectation is that those three will again have to feature prominently if New Zealand is to level the series today.
23-year-old Kerr has a long future in the game, but for 36-year-old Bates and 34-year-old Devine, there is the possibility that New Zealand may not have them for much longer.
Pace bowler Lea Tahuhu said despite contributions from newer players it's important for senior squad members like Devine and Bates to step up in clutch situations.
"To see the two old girls do that the other day was particularly special," Tahuhu said on the eve of the game.
"They cop a bit of stick and I don't think it's always fair.
"For them to go out there and show how good they still are, I'm hoping they can continue to do that for as long as possible."
Sophie Devine (L) and Suzie Bates (R) of New Zealand in Sri Lanka in 2023. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
33-year-old Tahuhu is another veteran of the side, having played 83 T20Is and 93 ODIs since making her international debut in 2011.
She said the win in Nelson on Sunday was one of the best the White Ferns have had in the last couple of years and they want to build on it.
"Performances we were putting out there weren't where we wanted but we believed in the game plan we were doing so to be able to see that all click into place was really pleasing and hopefully we can do it again."
However, England have brought in some reinforcements with Nat Sciver-Brunt, Danni Wyatt, Sophie Ecclestone and Alice Capsey all available after being excused from the first three games after playing in the Women's Premier League in India.
Tahuhu said the hosts are aware of the threat the returning players will pose.
"We've got plans for those players who are coming back in and there is no doubting that they will strengthen their team but I think we've still got the game plan that we can go out there and get a win."
Game four starts at the Basin Reserve at 1pm with the fifth game at the same ground on Friday.
The two sides then meet in three ODIs.
