Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight are in line to make their international debut later this month after being named in the WHITE FERNS squad to take on Zimbabwe.
The series will be the first of its kind between the two nations comprising three T20Is and three ODIs across Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Dunedin’s University of Otago Oval.
Off spinning-allrounder Patel returns to the group after being centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season.
Nensi Patel in action for the Northern Brave. Image - Photosport
The New Zealand A representative has 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.
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-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 in her first assignment as the WHITE FERNS permanent captain.
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.
Sophie Devine, who is on a casual contract with NZC, was not available for this series.
WHITE FERNS Squad v Zimbabwe
Flora Devonshire Central Hinds
Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts
Bree Illing Auckland Hearts
Polly Inglis Sparks (T20I only)
Melie Kerr Wellington Blaze
Kayley Knight* Northern Brave (T20I only)
Rosemary Mair Central Hinds
Nensi Patel* Northern Brave
Izzy Sharp** Canterbury Magicians
*Potential international debut
** Potential ODI debut
WHITE FERNS Head Coach Ben Sawyer said the selection panel had several focuses to consider.
“This is a really exciting squad with individuals that have come off strong Super Smash and HBJ Shield campaigns,” said Sawyer.
“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.”
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.”
The squad assemble in Hamilton on Sunday, ahead of their first ODI on Tuesday 24 February at Seddon Park.
The matches will be broadcast on TVNZ+, with live scoring at nzc.nz.
