Two uncapped stars included as New Zealand announces squad for white-ball series against Zimbabwe

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have announced the New Zealand Women’s squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe, where they have included two uncapped duo Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel

The series, starting February 24, will be the first women’s international series between New Zealand and Zimbabwe, featuring three T20Is and three ODIs. The matches will be played at Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval.

Who is Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel?

Knight, who has represented New Zealand in the U19 T20 World Cup, was a key bowler for Northern Brave in the Super Smash, taking 10 wickets at an economy of 6.16.

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Off-spin all-rounder Nensi Patel returns after being centrally contracted in 2022-23. She had a strong domestic season for Northern Brave, finishing as the top run-scorer in the Super Smash and second-equal wicket-taker alongside Knight.

Head coach Ben Sawyer praised both players. “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 use 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 ready to test her skills at the next level,” he said.

NZC also confirmed that Molly Penfold will replace Knight in the ODI squad, completing a four-player pace attack alongside left-arm Bree Illing and right-armers Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair.

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New Captain for New Zealand

The squad will be led by Melie Kerr in her first assignment as permanent captain. Experienced players Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were unavailable due to injuries, while Lea Tahuhu was rested from the T20Is to prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in June. Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract, is also unavailable for the series.

New Zealand squad

Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (T20Is only), Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Kayley Knight (T20Is only), Emma McLeod (ODIs only), Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold (ODIs only), Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp