Seamer Kayley Knight is poised for a potential ODI debut after being named in New Zealand’s 13-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, starting on Sunday.
Knight recently made her T20I debut during New Zealand’s home series against Zimbabwe, where she claimed two wickets in two appearances at an average of 20.50 and an economy rate of 5.85. Although she was not included in the squad for the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, her strong domestic performances have earned her a call-up for the ODI leg. She played a key role in Northern Districts’ title-winning campaign in NZC’s Women’s One-Day Competition, finishing joint-sixth among the leading wicket-takers with 17 scalps at an average of 13.76 and an economy rate of 3.82.
“It’s great to call Kayley up for her first ODI series,” New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. “Kayley’s got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters.”
Meanwhile, experienced players Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire and Georgia Plimmer return to the ODI squad after missing the Zimbabwe series due to injuries. They replace Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis and Bella James, while Knight takes the place of Molly Penfold.
New Zealand have already secured the T20I series against South Africa with a 3-1 lead, with the fifth and final match scheduled for Wednesday at Hagley Oval. The teams will remain in Christchurch for the opening ODI on Sunday before travelling to Wellington, where the second and third matches will be held at the Basin Reserve on April 1 and April 4.
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New Zealand ODI squad vs South Africa
Amelia Kerr (capt), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp.
