The sun never came out.
But there was a game of cricket all the same and the veteran White Ferns opener played a starring role at the University Oval.
The 34-year-old stroked an undefeated 79 to guide her side to a nine-wicket win in a Women’s World Cup match against Bangladesh.
The White Ferns desperately needed the win following their heartbreaking three-run loss to the West Indies in their opening match. Getting the campaign back on track was Bates’ first priority. But she also had a lot invested personally.
It seems extraordinary but, in 16 years of international cricket and after more than 250 games for her country, she had never had the opportunity to play in front of her family and friends at home in Dunedin.
The weather or injury had always intervened. And the weather looked like it was going to thwart her again.
She pulled the curtains, buried her head under the covers and hoped for the best.
During her knock she blazed a beautiful cover drive for four to bring up 1000 World Cup runs.
The Bates’ fan club erupted.
It meant the world to her.
"I had Mum and Dad and my sister Olivia there. They were on the whatsapp this morning not helping my mood by texting about the weather and I was like ‘not helpful’.
"I think they were relieved that they finally got to watch me play for New Zealand [at home]."
Their long wait to see her play in Dunedin was worth every second.
-- ADRIAN SECONI
