New Talents highlight 2024/25 women’s domestic cricket contracts in New Zealand

New Zealand’s six major domestic cricket associations have revealed their women’s domestic contract lists for the 2024/25 season, highlighting the arrival of nine promising new talents. The initial round of contract announcements includes up to 12 players per association, with a follow-up window to finalize the full 13-player roster.

New Talents highlight 202425 women's domestic cricket contracts in New Zealand. PC: Getty
New Talents highlight 202425 women’s domestic cricket contracts in New Zealand. PC: Getty

New Faces in the Domestic Scene

Auckland Cricket has added three fresh faces to their roster: spinner Rishika Jaswal and batters Cate Pedersen and Anika Todd. Jaswal, who made a splash on her debut against Northern Districts in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, 50-over competition, on her 17th birthday, is already recognized as a standout talent. Her performance last season included seven appearances in the 50-over competition and a debut in the Super Smash. Jaswal’s exceptional form at Takapuna Grammar School, where she topped the Venus Cup wicket-taking charts, earned her the Player of the Year award.

Similarly, 17-year-old Anika Todd has also impressed with her rise through Auckland Cricket’s Talent Pathway system and her representation of Aotearoa Māori Women at the Pacific Cup. Rotorua-born Cate Pedersen, who previously played for the Central Hinds, joins Auckland after a strong showing in the 2023-24 season.

Northern Districts Cricket welcomes Marina Lamplough, who has transitioned from Otago and Hong Kong. Lamplough’s impactful performances, including 6 wickets at an average of 10.6 in the Dream11 Super Smash, make her a valuable addition.

Central Districts has added pace bowler Anna Gaging to their ranks. Gaging, who has shown promise since her debut, earned her contract following a standout 2023-24 season, including a notable four-wicket haul.

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Wellington Blaze has secured Rachael Bryant, a 19-year-old spinner and Under 19 captain, known for leading her team to the National Under 19 tournament title and making her Blaze debut.

Canterbury Cricket introduces Harriet Graham, an opening batter who has progressed through the Canterbury pathway system and has already made an impression in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.

Otago Cricket brings in bowlers Louisa Kotkamp and Harriet Cuttance. Kotkamp, who showcased her talent at the ICC Under 19 World Cup, and Cuttance, who made her mark in the 2022 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Grand Final, both demonstrate Otago’s commitment to nurturing local talent.

Player Movements

The domestic scene will also see several notable changes. Anna Browning, a key player for Auckland, is moving south to join Otago. Central Hinds’ Natalie Dodd will step away from domestic cricket as she prepares for the birth of her first child. Skye Bowden, previously with the Hearts, will join Northern Districts, though she will not be contracted domestically this season.

Jesse Prasad, another new face for Northern Districts, moves from Auckland, while Bernadine Bezuidenhout returns to Northern Districts after retiring from international cricket. Kate Anderson, returning to Canterbury, is one of the few adjustments as the teams finalize their rosters.

The second round of contract announcements is set for August 27, promising further developments as teams finalize their squads for the upcoming season.

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