Wellington, March 3 – New Zealand batter Georgia Plimmer has been ruled out of the WODI series against Zimbabwe due to a shoulder injury.
She sustained the injury while training during the T20I series, which the White Ferns won 3-0, against Zimbabwe, and subsequently missed the second and third T20Is.
New Zealand Cricket said Bella James, who was called in as cover for Plimmer before the third T20I last Sunday, will remain with the squad as Plimmer's replacement for the ODI series.
“Georgia is a key player for us at the top of the order, and the energy she brings into the group is something we really value, so it’s a shame that she will miss this next series,” head coach Ben Sawyer said.
James made her ODI debut against Australia in December 2024 and played two matches against them. She was also part of the ODI World Cup last year but did not feature in the playing XI.
Sawyer believes James is a natural fit for the team. “Bella is a great cricketer who has played nearly 100 List-A matches in her career so far. That experience is extremely valuable, and she will fit seamlessly back into the team.”
Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp have also been named in the squad, and will make their respective ODI debuts if selected.
Nensi starred with five wickets in the T20Is against Zimbabwe, while Sharp made 18 and 22 not out.
The three ODIs from March 5 are part of the 2025–2029 ICC Women's Championship cycle.
New Zealand ODI squad v Zimbabwe
Melie Kerr, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Izzy Sharp
