The White Ferns T20 World Cup triumph over South Africa still felt ‘’surreal and crazy’’, but off-spin bowler Eden Carson, of Maniototo, was thrilled with her team and her own performances.

“To pull performances together, personally and as a team, was good timing… especially with it being a pinnacle event,” she said.

After the final win in the United Arab Emirates the White Ferns celebrated together in their changing rooms, until they were asked to leave the venue, and then carried on “completely being themselves” back at their hotel.

The experience she gained was fantastic, as was the tutelage from senior spin bowlers Melie Kerr and Suzie Bates, both on and off the field, Eden said.

“I’m learning every day from the experienced players… my game has grown so much in the last two years.’’

White Ferns spin bowler Suzie Bates (left) has taken Eden under her wing. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Eden was awarded International Cricket Council (ICC) player of the match in the semi final against the West Indies where she took three wickets for 29 runs. 

Her figures for the tournament were nine wickets for 147 runs.

“I’m pretty happy with my performances in the World Cup . . . in professional sport it can be hard being in and then out of the team. It certainly builds my confidence going into the summer.” 

She has been a part of the country wide trophy tour for the past few days getting a chance to thank fans and celebrate what has been called by New Zealand Cricket “a watershed moment” for women’s cricket here.

Eden Carson celebrates clean bowling West Indies player Qiana Joseph as Hayley Matthews (on right) waits at the other end of the pitch. PHOTO: Supplied 

“The support has been exponential… I’m so proud to come from the Maniototo, I want to say a big thank you to all the support from home.”

Eden spent two nights at home with her parents and visited two schools in the Maniototo.

She said it touched her heart to have kids tell her she’s inspired them to play cricket.

Coaches - and friends of her Dad - from her early playing days at St John’s School in Ranfurly and Maniototo Area School, Steve Cormack and Pete Johnson, are still in touch and she said she valued chats with them after games and sharing messages.

“I played in teams with boys all the time while I was growing up, I was lucky enough to go to a school [St Hilda’s] that had a girls team.

“Cricket isn’t such a big sport in New Zealand, us winning [the T20 World Cup] has grown both the men's and women's game.” 

Next she planned to catch up with friends in Sydney, then get back into training for the Otago Sparks 2024-2025 season.

She was hopeful of selection for the White Ferns three game one day international (ODI) series against Australia. 

The first game is in Wellington on December 19.

“It’s hard to know if you’re in the team . . . whatever happens, happens.”

Along with pursuing life as a professional sportsperson Eden is getting more involved in connecting with her whakapapa and Māori heritage.

“After finishing my vet nursing course at the end of [2023], I’ve started a course learning te Reo Māori as I’ve wanted to get more involved in culture.”

Having something else to get on with had been helpful while away on tour and she had plans to introduce a new waiata to the White Ferns.

To see Eden and the Otago Sparks play at home in the Super Smash this summer, head to Alexandra’s Molyneux Park on December 27, 29 and 31. 

Watch every Eden Carson wicket from the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 here

Have a story you want to share? 

Contact [email protected]