New Zealand’s next generation of female talent will be on show in Australia later this month, as preparations continue for the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
A 15-strong New Zealand Development Women’s squad featuring 12 domestically contracted players will play Australia and Sri Lanka in an Under-19 Tri-Series in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
The Tri-Series marks the next stage of the wider Under-19 Women’s World Cup campaign plan ahead of the major event in January 2025.
The Under-19 programme is part of NZC’s broader women’s high performance strategy and prioritises development of players in the age group within the two year ICC World Cup cycles.
NZC Head of Women’s High Performance Liz Green said, the Tri Series, which comprises T20 and 50-over matches, offered another opportunity to develop New Zealand’s best female talent.
“This is a good chance to expose some our best young players to international cricket and test them against strong Australian and Sri Lankan sides,” said Green.
“We’re exposing players to more and more opportunities in New Zealand and around the world, and it’s encouraging to see so many of this squad also getting opportunities with their Major Associations as contracted players.
“This is part of WHITE FERNS succession planning as we look to the future with players we consider to have high potential.
“It’s also a great opportunity for players to put their hand up for selection for the World Cup next year.
“Representing New Zealand on tour is always an exciting experience and we hope it will inspire this group to want to push on and become future WHITE FERNS.”
The Tri-Series squad has been selected from a wider Under-19 Winter Training Squad, and also includes batter Izzy Sharp and spinner Abigail Hotton who have been named in the travelling squad as ‘over-age’ players.
While the Canterbury pair are ineligible for selection for the World Cup due to their age, they reflect NZC’s intention to continue developing their most promising players against new and challenging opponents.
Alongside Sharp and Hotton, the squad features a further five players with Under-19 World Cup experience, with Kate Chandler, Kate Irwin, Louisa Kotkamp, Emma McLeod and Tash Wakelin all appearing at the 2023 Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa. (NZC)