Source: Radio New Zealand
Nensi Patel of the Northern Brave. www.photosport.nz
There are two new players in the White Ferns squad named to take on Zimbabwe later this month.
Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight have been included for the series, which will be the first between the two nations and includes three T20I’s and three ODI’s.
Off-spinning all-rounder Patel returns to the group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season.
She was the Brave’s top run-scorer in the Super Smash this summer and second-equal wicket-taker alongside Knight.
Knight, a former New Zealand under-19 representative, is available for just the T20 series, with Molly Penfold to replace her in the ODI squad.
“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,” said coach Ben Sawyer.
“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.”
The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr in her first assignment as New Zealand’s permanent captain.
Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries, and Lea Tahuhu was not considered for the T20I squad due to physical preparation planning for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June.
Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract with NZC, was not available for this series.
Northern Brave Women’s Kayley Knight bowls. DJ Mills / PHOTOSPORT
WHITE FERNS 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
Series against Zimbabwe
Wed 25 Feb: 1st T20, 7:15pm, Hamilton
Fri 27 Feb: 2nd T20, 7:15pm, Hamilton
Sun 1 March: 3rd T20, 1:15pm, Hamilton
Thurs 5 March: 1st ODI, 11am, Dunedin
Sun 8 March: 2nd ODI, 11am, Dunedin
Wed 11 March, 3rd ODI, 11am, Dunedin
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
