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Kayley Knight Earns Maiden NZ ODI Call-Up for South Africa Series

New Zealand Women have included pace bowler Kayley Knight in their 13-player ODI squad to face South Africa, marking her maiden call-up in the format. The 22-year-old, who made her T20I debut last month, comes in for Molly Penfold as the squad sees the return of Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer from injury. Head coach Ben Sawyer praised Knight's pace, control, and her integral role in Northern Brave's domestic title-winning campaign. The White Ferns, led by Amelia Kerr, aim to finish their home season on a high after a recent T20 series win.

Key Points: Kayley Knight in NZ Women's ODI Squad vs South Africa

  • Knight's maiden ODI call-up
  • Replaces Molly Penfold
  • T20I debut was last month
  • Part of Northern Brave's title win
  • Kerr leads strong squad
3 min read

NZ hand maiden call up to Knight for South Africa WODIs

22-year-old Kayley Knight gets her first ODI call-up for New Zealand Women's series against South Africa, replacing Molly Penfold.

"Kayley's got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters. - Ben Sawyer"

Christchurch, Mach 24

Kayley Knight has been included in New Zealand Women's 13-strong squad to take on South Africa in the ODI series starting on Sunday.

Amelia Kerr will lead a similar looking squad with the exception of Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer, who have each returned from injury and will replace Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis, and Bella James, while Knight comes in for Molly Penfold.

Knight made her T20 international debut last month against Zimbabwe taking 2-25, just a week after she claimed 2-20 for Northern Brave in the domestic one-day final.

The 22-year-old helped the Brave claim their maiden Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield title and finished as the team's second-highest wicket-taker of the competition.

Knight made her T20I debut during the recently-concluded home series against Zimbabwe, picking up two wickets in two games. She isn't part of New Zealand's squad for the ongoing T20ls against the Proteas women but got a call up for the ODI leg.

Head coach Ben Sawyer said he was excited to call Knight into the squad. "It's great to call Kayley up for her first ODI series. Kayley's got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters.

"She was an integral part of the Brave's title-winning HBJ campaign and has shown she has the tools to hold her in good stead in the international game," Sawyer was quoted as saying in NZC release.

Captain Melie heads into the series on the back of a dominant performance against Zimbabwe where she claimed 16 wickets across three matches, including two five-wicket hauls and the White Ferns best ODI figures in history (7-34).

The series marks the White Ferns' final home summer matches for the 2025-26 season, with the first game kicking off at Hagley Oval on March 29, followed by the final two outings at Cello Basin Reserve on April 1 and 4.

Saywer said the team were keen to finish the season on a high.

"Coming off the back of a T20s series win I know the team are eager to back it up in the ODIs. It's been a packed backend to the summer for the White Ferns and we're looking forward to wrapping the season up with another competitive series."

New Zealand squad: Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, lzzy Sharp.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As an Indian cricket fan, it's inspiring to see women's cricket getting such coverage and new players emerging globally. Amelia Kerr is a phenomenal all-rounder. Hope our BCCI takes notes on how to nurture young pace bowlers like Knight.
A
Aditya G
The article says "hand maiden call up" in the subject? That seems like an odd or possibly incorrect phrase. Maybe it's "handed a maiden call-up"? Otherwise, good luck to the debutant. Pace and control are key in ODIs.
S
Sarah B
Exciting times for NZ women's cricket! Kerr's leadership and Knight's fresh energy. Hope they have a good series against SA. The schedule looks packed – player management will be crucial.
N
Nikhil C
Always good to see a maiden call-up. Reminds me of our own young Indian players getting chances. The women's game is growing so fast everywhere. Best wishes to Kayley Knight for her ODI debut! 🙌
K
Kavya N
The return of Bates, Devonshire, and Plimmer adds experience. A balanced squad. Hope they finish the season on a high, as the coach said. Would love to see more bilateral series like this broadcast in India.

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