Although the WPL 2025, in which the majority of the world’s top players are competing, is now the premier event for women’s cricket, there will still be some international action in the coming weeks when New Zealand Women host Sri Lanka Women for three ODIs and T20Is each.
The Kiwis, who will be captained by Suzie Bates, have revealed their roster for the forthcoming series, which begins on March 4. Unfortunately, Sophie Devine, who is taking a mental health leave, and outstanding all-rounder Amelia Kerr, who plays for the Mumbai Indians Women in the WPL, will not participate in this series.
Three uncapped players—Emma McLeod, Izzy Sharp, and Bree Illing—will be included in the roster. Georgia Plimmer will also make a comeback in the series after missing time due to a bone stress response in her hip. Ben Sawyer, the head coach of New Zealand, discussed his thoughts on the selection of the three young players, citing their skill sets and domestic cricket performances.
“Major Association and NZC coaches have determined that Emma, Bree, and Izzy possess the competencies and skill sets needed to be successful in international cricket. Emma has been playing well in the HBJ Shield, and her ability to run well between the wickets and hit through the off-side is extremely valuable.” We were impressed by Izzy’s approach to spin, which will be useful in this series. According to Sawyer, who was cited by ESPNcricinfo, “Bree’s attack on the stumps and swing of the ball back into the right-hander is really important in the international game.”
Sawyer continued by discussing their strategies for the forthcoming series against Sri Lanka Women. The 47-year-old added that the squad may experiment with different lineups and that the younger players will have a chance to get some series experience.
We will experiment with different lineups this series, and I’m excited to watch players adjust to new roles. Sri Lanka is a formidable opponent with several elite spinners. It’s a chance to try out different bowlers both early and late in the game, as well as test batters in various positions,” Sawyer continued.
The New Zealand team for the Sri Lanka series
Bella James, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair (T20Is only), Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe (ODIs only), Izzy Sharp (T20Is only), Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing (ODIs only), Polly Inglis (ODIs only), and Suzie Bates (captain).
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