Northern Brave fast-bowler Kayley Knight has been included in the 13-strong squad to take on South Africa in the Chemist Warehouse ODI series starting on Sunday.
Knight made her T20 international debut last month against Zimbabwe taking 2-25 on debut 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.
Captain Melie Kerr 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).
Kerr leads 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.
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,” said Sawyer.
“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."
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."
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.
Matches will be broadcast live in New Zealand on TVNZ DUKE and TVNZ+ and Sport Nation, with live scoring at nzc.nz and the NZC App.
