The stage is set for another thrilling summer of women’s cricket in New Zealand, with the final contracts confirmed for the 2025/26 Women’s Domestic Season. Fresh off Otago Sparks’ memorable triumph in the One Day Competition, edging out Northern Districts by four wickets in a tense finale, all six teams now turn their focus to the new campaign with renewed optimism, form players, and exciting young talent.
Northern Districts
Northern Districts head into the new season with a strong and settled core, combining recent form with international experience. Caitlin Gurrey was the standout last year, enjoying a purple patch that saw her smash 523 runs with the best of 152. All-rounder Nensi Patel adds crucial balance, contributing 245 runs and 9 wickets, while the ever-reliable Jess Watkin brings her international pedigree with both bat and ball. The mix of youth and versatility in the squad makes Northern Districts one of the most well-rounded units heading into the season.
Squad: Caitlin Gurrey, Nensi Patel, Jess Watkin, Carol Agafili, Skye Bowden, Sophie Court, Marama Downes, Yaz Kareem, Kayley Knight, Marina Lamplough, Holly Topp, Tash Wakelin, Eve Wolland
Auckland Hearts
The Auckland Hearts present a balanced squad built on youthful exuberance and all-round strength. Ammie Hucker made her mark with the ball last season, picking up 16 wickets from 11 matches with the best of 2/27. All-rounder Josie Penfold brings versatility with 117 runs and 6 wickets, while rising star Olivia Anderson has already showcased her skills on the global stage, taking 5 wickets at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.
Squad: Olivia Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Elizabeth Buchanan, Prue Catton, Emily Handyside, Amie Hucker, Talia Hurley, Rishika Jaswal, Ayaan Lambat, Eve Meachen, Josie Penfold, Jess Smith, Anika Tauwhare
Central Districts
Central Districts boast an enviable mix of batting class and bowling strike power. Kerry Tomlinson led from the front last season, scoring 312 runs in just 7 innings with a match-winning century (100*). Emma McLeod was another consistent performer, tallying 300 runs with the best of 68*. Their bowling arsenal is spearheaded by Ocean Bartlett, who had a breakthrough season, claiming 20 wickets in 10 matches, including a sensational 6/27.
Squad: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Grace Foreman, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Jess Ogden, Kerry Tomlinson, Abby Treder, Cate Pedersen
Wellington Blaze
The Blaze enters the season with a squad brimming with impact players. Leg-spinner Xara Jetly was their bowling spearhead last year, taking 13 wickets from just 6 games, including the best of 3/32. All-rounder Hannah Francis produced season-defining performances, scoring 329 runs with the top score of 115 while also bagging 12 wickets, including a standout spell of 4/16. With such versatile talent, Blaze are once again expected to be contenders.
Squad: Nicole Baird, Rachel Bryant, Rebecca Burns, Natasha Codyre, Hannah Francis, Antonia Hamilton, Xara Jetly, Sam MacKinder, Jess McFadyen, Isla McKenzie, Hannah Ryan, Jess Simmons, Gemma Sims
Canterbury Magicians
The Magicians are built around solidity and reliability in both batting and bowling. Kate Anderson was their talisman last season, scoring 262 runs in 8 matches with a sparkling best of 118. Isobel Sharp provided important support with 203 runs, while Sarah Asmussen led the bowling charts with 10 wickets from 9 matches, highlighted by the best of 4/53. With proven contributors across the board, Canterbury will look to push deeper this season.
Squad: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Melissa Banks, Kate Chandler, Natalie Cox, Jodie Dean, Abigale Gerken, Abigail Hotton, Kate Irwin, Molly Loe, Darcy Prasad, Isobel Sharp, Gabby Sullivan
Otago Sparks
Fresh from their title-winning campaign, the Sparks enter 2025/26 brimming with confidence. Their bowling attack is spearheaded by Anna Browning, who has claimed 13 wickets from 7 innings, with the best of 4/38, alongside Emma Black who added 8 wickets. On the batting front, Caitlin Blakely was the anchor of the middle order, scoring 210 runs from 10 innings with the best of 54. With both depth and variety, the Sparks look well-equipped to defend their crown.
Squad: Emma Black, Caitlin Blakely, Anna Browning, Harriett Cuttance, Chloe Deerness, Olivia Gain, Louisa Kotkamp, Hannah O’Connor, Isy Parry, Felicity Robertson, Anika Todd, PJ Watkins, Saffron Wilson
With all squads now confirmed, anticipation builds for another fiercely competitive season of women’s domestic cricket in New Zealand. From the explosive batting of Caitlin Gurrey and Kerry Tomlinson, to the wicket-taking prowess of Ocean Bartlett, Xara Jetly, and Anna Browning, the 2025/26 season promises to deliver unforgettable moments.
As the Otago Sparks aim to defend their crown, challengers like Northern Districts, Central Districts, and Wellington Blaze will look to stake their claim in what is set to be a compelling season.
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