Gisborne cricketing product Kaley Knight on debut for the White Ferns in their recent T20 series against Zimbabwe. Knight is set to make her ODI debut against South Africa. Photo / Getty Images
Gisborne cricketing product Kaley Knight on debut for the White Ferns in their recent T20 series against Zimbabwe. Knight is set to make her ODI debut against South Africa. Photo / Getty Images
Northern Brave and former Gisborne fast bowler Kayley Knight has been included in the 13-strong White Ferns squad to play South Africa in the one-day international cricket series starting on Sunday.
Knight, 22, made her T20 international debut last month against Zimbabwe, taking 2-25 just a week after she took2-20 for Northern Brave in the domestic one-day final.
She helped the Brave claim their maiden Hallyburton Johnstone Shield title and was the team’s second-highest wicket-taker of the competition.
Head coach Ben Sawyer said he was excited to call Knight into the squad.
“It’s great to call Kayley up for her first ODI series,” Sawyer said.
“Kayley’s got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters.
Kayley Knight celebrates a wicket on debut for the White Ferns in a T20 clash with Zimbabwe. Photo / Getty Images
“She was an integral part of the Brave’s title-winning Hallyburton Johnstone campaign and has shown she has the tools to hold her in good stead in the international game.”
Saywer said the team were keen to finish the season on a high.
“Coming off the back of a T20 series win, I know the team are eager to back it up in the ODIs.
“It’s been a packed back end to the summer for the White Ferns and we’re looking forward to wrapping the season up with another competitive series.”
Captain Melie Kerr heads into the series on the back of a dominant performance against Zimbabwe. She took 16 wickets across three matches, including two five-wicket hauls and the White Ferns’ best ODI figures in history (7-34).
Kerr leads a similar-looking squad with the exception of Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire and Georgia Plimmer, who have returned from injury and will replace Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis and Bella James. Knight comes in for Molly Penfold.
The series marks the White Ferns’ final home summer matches for the 2025-26 season, with the first game starting at Hagley Oval on Sunday, followed by the final two outings at the Basin Reserve on April 1 and 4.
