New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has handed opportunities to emerging domestic stars as the White Ferns name a refreshed squad for their upcoming home series against Zimbabwe, marking the first-ever bilateral contest between the two nations in women’s international cricket.
The tour will feature three T20Is and three ODIs, to be played across Seddon Park, Hamilton, and University of Otago Oval, Dunedin, later this month. Among the standout inclusions are Northern Brave’s Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight, both in line to make their international debuts.
All-rounder Patel earns a recall after previously holding a central contract during the 2022–23 season. The New Zealand A representative enjoyed a prolific domestic summer, finishing as Northern Brave’s leading run-scorer in the Super Smash while also emerging as the side’s second-equal highest wicket-taker alongside Knight.
Knight, a former New Zealand Under-19 T20 World Cup representative, impressed as a key member of the Brave’s pace attack. She claimed 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.16, establishing herself as one of the most consistent fast bowlers of the domestic season. While Knight has been selected for the T20I squad, Molly Penfold will step into the ODI setup, joining a four-strong pace unit that includes left-armer Bree Illing and right-armers Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair.
The series will also mark a leadership milestone, with Melie Kerr set to captain the White Ferns for the first time as permanent skipper.
Several senior players were unavailable for selection. Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were ruled out due to injury, while Lea Tahuhu was omitted from the T20I squad as part of workload management ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June. Sophie Devine, currently on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket, was unavailable for the series.
White Ferns Head Coach Ben Sawyer said the selection process balanced immediate performance with long-term planning.
“This is a really exciting squad with individuals that have come off strong Super Smash and HBJ Shield campaigns,” said Sawyer. “The team’s short- and long-term goals were front of mind when selecting the group. We’ve prioritised players that could make the T20 World Cup squad in June, whilst also providing international exposure to high-potential talent whose skillsets align with long-term White Ferns planning.”
Sawyer highlighted the consistent rise of Patel and Knight as key reasons behind their selection. “Nensi and Kayley have both been solid performers over the last 12-18 months so it’s really pleasing for them to get this opportunity. Nensi’s shown her value with bat and ball, and with Eden unavailable we’ll look to utilise her as a frontline spin option alongside Melie. Kayley’s got a bright future ahead of her. She’s emerged as a potential frontline seam option who’s ready to test her skills at the next level.”
New Zealand Squad v Zimbabwe
Flora Devonshire – Central Hinds
Izzy Gaze – Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green – Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday – Auckland Hearts
Bree Illing – Auckland Hearts
Polly Inglis – Sparks (T20I only)
Jess Kerr – Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr – Wellington Blaze
Kayley Knight – Northern Brave (T20I only)
Emma McLeod – Central Hinds (ODI only)
Rosemary Mair – Central Hinds
Nensi Patel – Northern Brave
Molly Penfold – Auckland Hearts (ODI only)
Georgia Plimmer – Wellington Blaze
Izzy Sharp – Canterbury Magicians
