Suzie Bates has returned to an Otago domestic contract for the first time in 20 years. An Otago Cricket Media release stated that Bates will "devote her full attention to the Sparks - the side she has proudly represented throughout an extraordinary 23-year domestic career." Bates played just one one-day game for Otago in the 2025-26 domestic season after suffering a tendon injury while fielding in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield. "It's exciting for Abby to be in the Sparks squad with the experience that Suzie brings," Otago women's pathway manager Sarah Tsukigawa said. She spent three seasons with the Blaze while her twin sister Kate Sims also has domestic experience with Hinds.