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New Zealand are set to face Sri Lanka in a six-match series, comprising three ODIs and three T20Is, starting March 4 in Napier. The White Ferns have announced a 16-member squad, with experienced batter Suzie Bates leading the side in the absence of full-time ODI captain Sophie Devine, who is on a break.
New Zealand to host Sri Lanka for three ODIs and T20Is each
Star all-rounder Amelia Kerr will also miss the series as she is participating in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) with Mumbai Indians Women. This series will serve as an opportunity for young players to gain international exposure, with the squad featuring three uncapped players. Head coach Ben Sawyer emphasized the significance of this series, particularly with the ODI World Cup scheduled in India later this year, where conditions are expected to favour spin.
New Zealand will also face Australia in a T20I series from March 21, which will further test their combinations before the World Cup preparations intensify. With an exciting mix of young talent and experienced campaigners, the White Ferns will be keen to build momentum in this home series and fine-tune their squad for the challenges ahead.
Uncapped trio earns call-up for New Zealand
New Zealand selectors have identified Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp and Bree Illing as promising talents, rewarding them for their impressive performances in domestic cricket. Head coach Ben Sawyer highlighted the reasons behind their selection, citing their skill sets and adaptability to international cricket.
“Emma, Bree, and Izzy have been identified by Major Association and NZC coaches as players who have the desired competencies and skill sets to be effective in international cricket. Emma’s been in good form in the HBJ Shield, and her ability to hit through the off-side and run well between the wickets is really valuable. Izzy impressed us with how she attacks spin, which will come in handy in this series. Bree’s ability to attack the stumps and swing the ball back into the right-hander is crucial at the international level,” Sawyer said in a statement released by White Ferns.
McLeod, at just 18 years old, has showcased remarkable form in the HBJ Shield, scoring 300 runs at an average of nearly 43, including two half-centuries for Central Districts. Sharp, 20, captained New Zealand’s Under-19 team in the inaugural U-19 T20 World Cup and has been recognized for her ability to handle spin effectively. Illing, 21, has been a consistent wicket-taker for Auckland, picking up 19 wickets at 21.10 in the ongoing domestic one-day competition. She was also a standout performer in the T20 Super Smash, maintaining an economy rate of just 5.44 along with eight wickets.
The series will also mark the return of Georgia Plimmer, who was sidelined due to a bone stress reaction in her hip. Her last appearance for New Zealand came in the ODI series against India in November, which followed the T20 World Cup victory in Dubai.
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Squad strength and injury updates
The squad sees a blend of youth and experience, with seasoned players like Bates and Maddy Green forming the core of the team. Hayley Jensen also makes a comeback after two years, following a successful domestic season.
However, New Zealand will be without several key players due to injuries.
- Lea Tahuhu (hamstring) and Rosemary Mair (elbow) are still in recovery, but Mair is expected to return for the T20I series starting March 14.
- Molly Penfold has been ruled out for at least three months due to a knee injury.
- Bella James, who made her ODI debut against Australia in December, is in line to make her T20I debut in this series.
- Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis has received her second call-up, having been part of the India tour but yet to make her international debut.
Sawyer mentioned that the coaching staff will use this series to experiment with different combinations, allowing players to gain experience in varied roles.
“Sri Lanka is a tough opposition with a number of world-class spinners. We will try different combinations this series, and I’m looking forward to seeing players adapt to different roles. It’s an opportunity to test batters in different positions and try different bowlers opening up and at the death,” Sawyer concluded.
New Zealand’s squad for the ODI and T20I series
- Available in Both ODI & T20I:
Suzie Bates (C), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer - ODI Only:
Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Hannah Rowe - T20I Only:
Fran Jonas, Rosemary Mair, Izzy Sharp, Bella James
Schedule for New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Women’s series
The ODI squad will assemble on March 2 in Napier following the HBJ Shield final on March 1.
ODI Series:
- 1st ODI – March 4, Napier
- 2nd ODI – March 7, Nelson
- 3rd ODI – March 9, Nelson
T20I Series:
- 1st T20I – March 14, Christchurch
- 2nd T20I – March 16, Christchurch
- 3rd T20I – March 18, Dunedin
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
