New Zealand announce Women’s squad for the upcoming home white-ball series against Pakistan

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) have unveiled their women’s squad for the upcoming home white-ball series against Pakistan. The series, featuring three T20Is followed by three ODIs, is seen as a crucial preparation step for the White Ferns leading up to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next year.

Key players in action

Skipper Sophie Devine will continue to captain New Zealand, with the support of seasoned campaigners such as Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, and star all-rounder Amelia Kerr. However, Kerr will miss the series opener on December 3 in Dunedin due to her participation in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) 2023 final, representing Brisbane Heat.

Squad dynamics

The T20I series will see the inclusion of off-spinner Eden Carson, while talented wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Gaze is set to feature in the ODIs and the first T20I. Other notable names in the squad include Maddy Green, Fran Jonas, Hannah Rowe, and Georgia Plimmer.

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Coach’s perspective

Speaking about the squad and the series, New Zealand coach Ben Sawyer expressed optimism about the opportunity for the team to refine their skills ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“We’re looking to build on the back of some good recent form in bilateral series but more importantly, continue to develop combinations with an eye to the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh next year. From an ODI perspective, as well as continuing to develop our game plan, it’s extremely important that we look to get as many World Championship points as we can,” said Sawyer in an official statement.

New Zealand squad for home series against Pakistan:

Sophie Devine (captain), Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson (T20I only), Izzy Gaze (ODI & 1st T20I), Maddy Green, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

Also READ: Sophie Devine, Ellyse Perry amongst others named in the WBBL|09 Team of the Tournament

This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.