Wellington, February 20 – Uncapped players Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel are set to make their international debuts after being named in the New Zealand Women’s squad for the white-ball series against Zimbabwe at home, NZC announced on Friday.
The series, which begins on February 24, marks the first instance of Zimbabwe and New Zealand playing a women’s international series consisting of three T20Is and as many ODIs across Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval.
Knight, who previously represented New Zealand in the U19 T20 World Cup, was a key member of the Northern Brave's T20 pace bowling unit in Super Smash, taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.16.
The off-spin all-rounder Nensi returned to the squad after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season. She had a successful domestic summer for the Northern Brave, being the team's top Super Smash run-scorer and one of the wicket-takers alongside Knight.
Head Coach Ben Sawyer said that both Patel and Knight had earned their places in the squad. "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 has shown her value with both bat and ball, and with Eden unavailable, we will look to utilise her as a frontline spin option alongside Melie. Kayley has a bright future ahead of her. She has emerged as a potential frontline seam option who is ready to test her skills at the next level."
NZC said that Molly Penfold will replace Knight in the ODI squad, making up a four-player pace unit consisting of left-arm Bree Illing and right-armers Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair.
The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr, who has represented the White Ferns in 172 internationals, in her first assignment as the permanent captain.
Meanwhile, experienced players Suzie Bates (quadriceps) 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 preparation for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in June.
Moreover, Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract with NZC, was not available for this 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.