White Ferns bowler Molly Penfold is excited about the new-look team that will take on Zimbabwe over the next couple of weeks.
The two sides will meet in three T20Is and three ODIs, starting with the first T20 game in Hamilton on Wednesday night.
TheWhite Ferns are without several key players, with Suzie Bates and Eden Carson injured, Sophie Devine unavailable and Lea Tahuhu under managed workload. Amelia Kerr is the new captain.
The White Ferns squad does contain two possible debutants in spinner Nensi Patel and pace bowler Kayley Knight, both from the Northern Brave.
Penfold, who has played 24 games for New Zealand, admits there is a feeling of change.
“It does seem like a very different group, but it is a good opportunity for players who probably don’t get as much game time in the White Ferns to hopefully step up and be in that playing 11, so yes, it’s exciting.”
Pace bowler Penfold has no doubt new captain Kerr will take on the role seamlessly.
“She’s just a natural leader and she is a huge character in this group. We know that coming off the back of Soph’s captaincy as well, she has left a big impact on us and so big shoes to fill, but I know that Melie will be more than capable of doing so.”
Molly Penfold made her White Ferns debut in 2021, taking two wickets in an ODI against England, and now has the chance to take her first T20 wicket at the World Cup. Photo / Photosport
Zimbabwe have had a change in coaching staff and will now be under the guidance of former White Fern Kate Ebrahim.
Zimbabwe made the change following the side’s disappointing T20 World Cup qualifier in Nepal last month, with Ebrahim named as interim coach.
Ebrahim played 70 games for New Zealand between 2010 and 2021 and is married to former Zimbabwe batter and current men’s assistant coach Dion Ebrahim.
Penfold admits she was surprised when she learned Ebrahim had been appointed Zimbabwe coach.
“It’s cool to see her take up that opportunity, she brings a great competitiveness to the game.”
