The White Ferns will be hosting Sri Lanka led by skipper Chamari Athapaththu for a white-ball bilateral series that will include a three-match ODI series followed by a three-match T20I series from 4th March 2025 (Tuesday) to 18th March 2025 (Tuesday).
The series collides with the ongoing 3rd edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India. Notably, while the Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu who’s currently representing UP Warriorz in the tournament will exit the tournament early for national duties, Mumbai Indians’ Amelia Kerr will be staying on for the complete tournament.
The home side hasn’t announced their squad yet, but one thing is certain we will witness a few new faces in the White Ferns squad as and when they name their squad, which is expected to be released next week. New Zealand have suffered a few setbacks, with one of the biggest being their skipper Sophie Devine continuing to be unavailable for selection, since she announced an indefinite break from cricket on 25th January 2025 and the other, Amelia Kerr, who is in the running for New Zealand’s new full-time T20I captain.
That’s not just about it, the young 23-year-old speedster Molly Penfold has a torn meniscus in her left knee, which she suffered earlier this month, while warming up for a game representing Auckland Hearts in the Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield tournament.
“We’re all gutted for Molly. It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to end, especially after strong contributions during the Rose Bowl series. The positive is that her recovery timelines should see her fit for our winter training schedule,” said New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer, sharing an update about Molly Penfold’s estimated time of recovery.
The young pacer underwent surgery last week and is expected to regain full fitness within a duration of 8–12 weeks and as a result, she will miss their upcoming series against Sri Lanka and the subsequent Australia series.
She was last seen in action for the White Ferns in the three-match ODI series coined as The Rose Bowl series against Australia in December 2024. She was the joint highest wicket-taker for her side and the series alongside Rosemary Mair and Amelia Kerr with 4 wickets at an average of 28.75 and an economy of 5.75 in a couple of innings with the ball for her side in the series.
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket Press Release)
Loves all things female cricket
