Sixteen players with WHITE FERNS experience are set to take part in the North v South T20 series at Saxton Oval next week.
The three-match series, to be played on December 18,19 and 20, returned in 2023 after more than a decade’s hiatus as part of NZC’s commitment to provide greater playing opportunities for New Zealand’s best female cricketers.
With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup just six months away, the series serves as an opportunity for a wider pool of players to showcase their skills alongside the top talent in the women’s game.
North has won the series both times since its return and has named another strong squad for this year’s battle, including six T20 World Cup winning WHITE FERNS in Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer and Hannah Rowe.
South features WHITE FERNS Lea Tahuhu, Polly Inglis, and Bella James, alongside a host of rising domestic players including the current Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield top run scorer Kate Anderson, and consistent performers in Emma Black and Izzy Sharp.
The North-South rivalry has deepened in recent years with the Wellington Blaze dominating the Super Smash and winning six of the past seven titles, and the Otago Sparks rising through the ranks to claim consecutive HBJ Shield titles.
South captain Polly Inglis said the team was eager to take the trophy off North’s hands.
“We’re hungry to break North’s winning streak,” said Inglis.
“They won’t be easy to beat but we’ve got an exciting squad with lots of consistent performers from the domestic game, so I think we’ve got a good shot this year.”
North captain Jess Watkin said the series ignited a passionate rivalry between the inter-island competitors.
“There’s certainly a healthy rivalry that comes to the fore when this series rolls around,” said Watkin.
“We have a lot of experience in our side so I’m confident if we play our best cricket the trophy will remain with us.”
She said the series served as a runway for the Super Smash.
“We’re stoked to have this series in December, not just for the additional playing opportunities, but to get some T20 game time in before the Super Smash gets underway on Boxing Day.”
Former WHITE FERNS legend Amy Satterthwaite (North) and Northern Districts Women head coach Pete Borren (South) have been appointed the teams head coaches, whilst former WHITE FERNS and current NZC Performance Coaching Course participants Holly Huddleston (North) and Rachel Candy (South) will assist.
North Squad
Jess Watkin (C) Northern Brave
Flora Devonshire Central Hinds
Lauren Down Auckland Hearts
Kate Gaging Central Hinds
Bree Illing Auckland Hearts
Xara Jetly Wellington Blaze
Fran Jonas Auckland Hearts
Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze
Emma McLeod Central Hinds
Rosemary Mair Central Hinds
Molly Penfold Auckland Hearts
Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze
Hannah Rowe Central Hinds
South Squad
Polly Inglis (C) Otago Sparks
Kate Anderson Canterbury Magicians
Missy Banks Canterbury Magicians
Emma Black Otago Sparks
Anna Browning Otago Sparks
Jodie Dean Canterbury Magicians
Olivia Gain Otago Sparks
Abigail Hotton Canterbury Magicians
Bella James Otago Sparks
Louisa Kotkamp Otago Sparks
Izzy Sharp Canterbury Magicians
Lea Tahuhu Canterbury Magicians
PJ Watkins Otago Sparks
WHITE FERNS Suzie Bates (quadricep), Eden Carson (elbow) and Izzy Gaze (thumb) were not considered for selection due to injury, while Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday and Melie Kerr were assigned rest due to workload considerations over the past 12 months, enabling selection for other players with international potential.
All matches to the pre-Christmas series will be FREE entry and Nelson locals can look forward to a variety of activations, including meet-and-greet opportunities with players.
The series will be broadcast live and free on NZC YouTube, with live scoring at nzc.nz and the NZC App.
North v South Schedule at Saxton Oval:
1st T20 - Thurs 18 Dec, 11:00am
2nd T20 - Fri 19 Dec, 2:00pm
3rd T20 - Sat 20 Dec, 11:00am
