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Zimbabwe series gives White Ferns coach chance to test 'high-potential' talent
Sport Nation • February 20th, 2026 5:00 am
Melie Kerr | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The White Ferns are set to host Zimbabwe for three T20s at Hamilton's Seddon Park, before heading south to Dunedin's University Oval for three ODIs in a series that is the first of its kind for the two nations' women's cricket programs.
Coach Ben Sawyer will look to potentially blood some new players in his continued quest to improve New Zealand's depth, with Northern Brave duo Nensi Patel and Kayley Knight in line to make their international debuts.
“This is a really exciting squad with individuals that have come off strong Super Smash and Hallyburton Johnstone Shield campaigns,” Sawyer said in a statement.
“The team’s short and long-term goals were front of mind when selecting the group.
“We’ve prioritised players that could make the T20 World Cup squad in June, whilst also providing international exposure to high-potential talent whose skillsets align with long-term White Ferns planning.”
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Patel was the Brave's leading run scorer during the recent Super Smash season, and as an off-spinner was the side's second best wicket taker with Knight - taking 10 a piece.
Knight has only been selected for the T20 matches and will be replaced by Auckland Hearts pace bowler Molly Penfold to join the pace attack of Bree Illing, Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair.
Melie Kerr will lead the White Ferns as full-time captain for the first time during the tour, having previously taking the reigns in the absence of the Sophie Devine.
Devine is now on a casual contract with NZ Cricket and was not available to play, while injuries ruled out Suzie Bates (quadricep) and Eden Carson (elbow). Lea Tahuhu wasn't considered for selection to focus on preparation for June's T20 World Cup defence.
White Ferns squad to play Zimbabwe: Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr (C), Kayley Knight, (T20s only), Emma McLeod (ODIs only), Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold (ODIs only), Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp.
Sport Nation will have live ball-by-ball commentary of the White Ferns' T20s and ODIs versus Zimbabwe, starting February 25 at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
The Sport Nation app is available to download in New Zealand on Apple’s App Store and Google Play for Android users.
Zimbabwe tour of New Zealand
February 25: 1st T20 at Seddon Park, Hamilton - first ball 7.15pm
February 27: 2nd T20 at Seddon Park, Hamilton - first ball 7.15pm
March 1: 3rd T20 at Seddon Park, Hamilton - first ball 2.15pm
March 5: 1st ODI at University Oval, Dunedin - first ball 11am
March 8: 2nd ODI at University Oval, Dunedin - first ball 11am
March 11: 3rd ODI at University Oval, Dunedin - first ball 11am
Ben Sawyer reveals ambitions for improving White Ferns depth | Sport Nation
