Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight are in line to make their international debuts later this month after being named in the White Ferns squad for the series against Zimbabwe.
The series will be the first of its kind between the two nations, and comprises three T20Is and three ODIs at Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Dunedin’s University Oval respectively.
Patel, an all-rounder, returns to the group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season.
She had an impressive domestic summer for the Brave as the side’s top Super Smash run-scorer and second-equal wicket-taker, alongside Knight.
Former New Zealand under-19 T20 World Cup representative Knight was a key cog in the Brave’s T20 pace bowling unit, taking 10 wickets at an economy rate of 6.16.
Molly Penfold will replace Knight in the ODI squad, making up a four-pronged pace attack with of left-armer Bree Illing and right-armers Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair.
The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr in her first assignment as the White Ferns’ permanent captain.
Otago duo Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow) were not considered for selection due to their respective injuries, and fast bowler Lea Tahuhu was not considered for the T20I squad due to workload management ahead of 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.
Otago wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis in the only Spark player to make the squad. She has been named in the T20 side, but will not feature in the three ODIs in Dunedin.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer said, in a New Zealand Cricket press release, 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.
"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 assemble in Hamilton tomorrow, ahead of their first T20I on February 25. — Allied Media.
White Ferns
For Zimbabwe series
Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (T20I only), Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Kayley Knight (T20I only), Emma McLeod (ODI only), Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer
