White Ferns named for ODI's vs South Africa
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- 2 min read
A 13-strong New Zealand squad to take on South Africa in the ODI matches starting on Sunday has been selected with a couple of minor changes from the sidw which won the T20 series
Captain Melie Kerr heads into the series on the back of a dominant performance against Zimbabwe where she claimed 16 wickets across three matches, including two five-wicket hauls and the White Ferns ' best ODI figures in history (7-34).
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Kerr leads a similar looking squad with the exception of Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer who have each returned from injury and will replace Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis, and Bella James, while Knight comes in for Molly Penfold.
Northern Brave fast bowler Kayley Knight has been included after making her T20 international debut last month against Zimbabwe taking 2-25 on debut just a week after she claimed 2-20 for Northern Brave in the domestic one-day final.
The 22-year-old helped the Brave claim their maiden Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield title and finished as 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,” said Sawyer.
“Kayley's got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters.
“She was an integral part of the Brave’s title-winning HBJ 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 T20s series win I know the team are eager to back it up in the ODIs.
“It’s been a packed backend to the summer for the White Ferns and we’re looking forward to wrapping the season up with another competitive series."
The series marks the New Zealand sides final home summer matches for the 2025-26 season, with the first game kicking off at Hagley Oval on March 29 followed by the final two outings at Cello Basin Reserve on April 1 and 4.
New Zealand ODI squad v South Africa
Melie Kerr (C) Wellington Blaze
Suzie Bates Otago
Flora Devonshire Central Hinds
Izzy Gaze Auckland Hearts
Maddy Green Auckland Hearts
Brooke Halliday Auckland Hearts
Bree Illing Auckland Hearts
Jess Kerr Wellington Blaze
Kayley Knight Northern Brave*
Rosemary Mair Central Hinds
Nensi Patel Northern Brave
Georgia Plimmer Wellington Blaze
Izzy Sharp Canterbury Magicians
*Potential format debut
ODI Series against South Africa
1st ODI - Hagley Oval - Sunday 29 March, 2pm
2nd ODI - Cello Basin Reserve - Wednesday 1 April, 11am
3rd ODI - Cello Basin Reserve - Saturday 4 April, 11am
