New Zealand Cricket has confirmed the White Ferns squads for the upcoming white-ball series against Zimbabwe, with the home contests set to mark the first time the two sides have met in a bilateral series in New Zealand. The tour starting on February 25, comprises three T20 Internationals (T20Is) in Hamilton followed by three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) in Dunedin, and presents an important opportunity for the White Ferns to refine combinations ahead of a busy international calendar.
The headline inclusions are Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight, both rewarded for standout domestic seasons. Patel, an off-spin all-rounder, returns to the national environment after previously holding a central contract in 2022-23. She was a dominant force in the recent Super Smash, finishing as her side’s leading run-scorer while also featuring among their top wicket-takers. Knight, meanwhile, earns her maiden call-up after an impressive campaign with the ball. Her progression continues a steady rise that has included age-group international representation and consistent performances at domestic level.
Head Coach Ben Sawyer emphasised the selectors’ approach in balancing immediate competitiveness with long-term player development. “This is a really exciting squad with individuals that have come off strong Super Smash and HBJ Shield campaigns,” Sawyer said. “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.”
The White Ferns will be led by all-rounder Melie Kerr, who continues to establish herself as a central figure in the team’s leadership structure. Kerr’s experience and match-winning credentials with both bat and ball make her pivotal to the side’s ambitions, and this series will be the first step in her development as captain. She is joined by a core group of experienced internationals including Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair and Georgia Plimmer, all of whom have featured prominently in recent campaigns and will be expected to shoulder senior responsibilities.
The squads have also been shaped by the absence of several high-profile names. Veteran opener Suzie Bates is sidelined with a quadriceps injury, while off-spinner Eden Carson is unavailable due to an elbow issue. Fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will not take part in the T20I leg of the series as part of her preparation and workload management plan ahead of global commitments, and former captain Sophie Devine is also unavailable for this assignment. Their absence creates space for others to step into more prominent roles, particularly within the bowling unit where opportunities have opened up.
Format-specific selections underline the selectors’ intent to trial different combinations. Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis and Knight have been named for the T20Is, while Emma McLeod and Molly Penfold come into the frame for the 50-over matches.
For New Zealand, the Zimbabwe series is more than a landmark occasion; it is a strategic checkpoint. It offers a platform to integrate new talent, reinforce leadership under Kerr, and fine-tune combinations in both formats. With established stars sidelined and fresh faces eager to seize their chance, the White Ferns enter the series with renewed energy and clear intent as they look to build momentum on home soil.
New Zealand Women’s Squad for Zimbabwe Series 2026:
Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis (T20Is only), Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Kayley Knight (T20Is only), Emma McLeod (ODIs only), Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold (ODIs only) Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp
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