Dubai, Jan 29 (IANS): New Zealand pacer Lea Tahuhu, who recently had her first child, has returned to the national team's squad for the T20Is against South Africa and the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020, slated to be held in Australia.

Tahuhu had taken a break for the birth of her daughter Grace and skipped the ongoing ODI series against South Africa.

"It's been a whirlwind last couple of weeks - becoming a mum for the first time and everything that goes with it," Tahuhu was quoted as saying by the ICC.

"I'm very excited to be back. I'm grateful of Amy's support back home and can't wait to get stuck in at training ahead of the T20 series against South Africa," she added.

The rest of the squad remains the same. The five-match series against South Africa begins on 2 February in Tauranga.

New Zealand coach Bob Carter was also pleased with Tahuhu's return, saying that the team will benefit from a player of her calibre and experience.

The Kiwi eves will be led by the veteran Sophie Devine, who, along with Suzie Bates, has featured in every women's T20 World Cup since it started in 2009.