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Knight, Nensi Earn NZ Women Call-ups for Historic Zimbabwe Series

Uncapped players Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel have been selected in the New Zealand Women's squad for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe. The historic series marks the first time the two nations will play a women's international series, comprising three T20Is and three ODIs. Head Coach Ben Sawyer praised both players for their consistent domestic performances over the past 18 months. The squad will be captained by Melie Kerr, while experienced players Suzie Bates and Eden Carson are unavailable due to injury.

Key Points: NZ Women's Squad for Zimbabwe Series: Knight, Nensi Called Up

  • Historic first women's series between NZ and Zimbabwe
  • Knight's pace bowling earns T20I call-up
  • Nensi Patel returns as spin all-rounder
  • Melie Kerr to lead as permanent captain
2 min read

Knight earns maiden call-up; Nensi recalled to NZ Women squad for Zimbabwe series

Uncapped Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel named in New Zealand Women's squad for historic white-ball series against Zimbabwe at home.

"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. - Ben Sawyer"

Wellington, Feb 20

Uncapped duo Kayley Knight and Nensi Patel are in line to make their international debut after being named in the New Zealand Women squad for the white-ball series at home against Zimbabwe, NZC said on Friday.

The series, starting February 24, marks the first instance of Zimbabwe and New Zealand playing a women's international series comprising three T20Is and as many ODIs across Hamilton's Seddon Park and Dunedin's University of Otago Oval.

Knight, who has previously represented New Zealand in the U19 T20 World Cup, was a key cog in 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 group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season. She had an impressive domestic summer for the Northern Brave as the side's top Super Smash run-scorer and second-equal wicket-taker alongside Knight.

Head Coach Ben Sawyer said both Patel and Knight had earned their spot 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's shown her value with bat and ball, and with Eden unavailable, we'll look to utilise 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 who's 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 (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.

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

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Interesting series. Zimbabwe touring NZ is a good step for their women's team's exposure. Reminds me of when our Indian women's team was building. Hope it's a competitive contest and not just a one-sided affair.
A
Ananya R
Nensi Patel recalled! Good for her. Shows persistence pays off. As an all-rounder, she brings good balance. But missing Bates, Carson, and Devine is a big blow for NZ's experience. Melie Kerr has a tough first assignment as permanent captain.
D
David E
Respectfully, while it's good to give chances, the scheduling feels a bit lopsided. A full-strength NZ team would have been better for Zimbabwe's learning. Hope the young players step up, but the real test will be against top sides like Australia or India.
S
Shreya B
Always happy to see more women's cricket! The depth in New Zealand seems good with players coming through the domestic system. Hope Knight and Patel grab this opportunity with both hands. More bilateral series like this, please! 👏
V
Vikram M
Good to see the focus on the T20 World Cup later this year with Tahuhu being rested. Smart planning. The squad looks like a mix of youth and some experience. Melie Kerr leading a relatively new-look side will be interesting to watch.

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