All the action as the White Ferns host Zimbabwe in the first Twenty20 International, from Hamilton’s Seddon Park.
‘A natural leader’: Amelia Kerr leads new-look White Ferns side
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.
The White 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.”
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.”
White Ferns squad v Zimbabwe
Flora Devonshire, Central Hinds
Izzy Gaze, Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green, Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday, Auckland Hearts
Bree Illing, Auckland Hearts
Polly Inglis, Otago Sparks (T20I only)
Jess Kerr, Wellington Blaze
Melie Kerr, Wellington Blaze
Kayley Knight*, Northern Brave (T20I only)
Emma McLeod, Central Hinds (ODI only)
Rosemary Mair, Central Hinds
Nensi Patel*, Northern Brave
Molly Penfold, Auckland Hearts (ODI only)
Georgia Plimmer, Wellington Blaze
Izzy Sharp**, Canterbury Magicians
White Ferns schedule against Zimbabwe
Wednesday, February 25, 7.15pm, 1st T20, Hamilton
Friday, February 27, 7.15pm, 2nd T20, Hamilton
Sunday, March 1, 1.15pm, 3rd T20, Hamilton
Thursday, March 5, 11am, 1st ODI, Dunedin
Sunday, March 8, 11am, 2nd ODI, Dunedin
Wednesday, March 11, 11am, 3rd ODI, Dunedin
– RNZ