Kayley Knight Receives Maiden ODI Call-Up for New Zealand Against South Africa
Synopsis
In an exciting development for New Zealand Women's cricket, Kayley Knight has been selected for her first ODI series against South Africa. This follows her impressive performances in T20s and domestic cricket, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Key Takeaways
Kayley Knight earns her first ODI call-up.
Amelia Kerr leads a mostly consistent squad.
Returning players include Suzie Bates , Flora Devonshire , and Georgia Plimmer .
The series starts on March 29 .
The White Ferns aim to conclude the season with a strong performance.
Christchurch, March 24 (NationPress) Kayley Knight has been named to the New Zealand Women's 13-member squad for the ODI series against South Africa, commencing this Sunday.
Amelia Kerr will captain a largely unchanged team, with the notable inclusions of Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer, who are returning from injuries. They will replace Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis, and Bella James, while Knight steps in for Molly Penfold.
Knight made her T20 international debut last month against Zimbabwe, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs. Just a week prior, she impressed in the domestic one-day final with figures of 2-20 for Northern Brave.
The 22-year-old was instrumental in helping the Brave secure their first-ever Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield title, finishing as the team's second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
Although she is not part of the squad for the ongoing T20 matches against the South African women, Knight has received a call-up for the ODI series.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his enthusiasm about Knight's inclusion: "It’s fantastic to bring Kayley into her first ODI series. She possesses impressive pace and control, with a short ball that consistently challenges batters."
“Kayley played a key role in the Brave’s successful HBJ campaign and has demonstrated her potential to excel at the international level,” Sawyer stated in a NZC release.
Captain Amelia Kerr enters this series following a stellar performance against Zimbabwe, where she took 16 wickets across three matches, including two five-wicket hauls and setting the White Ferns' best ODI figures in history at 7-34.
This series marks the White Ferns' final home matches of the 2025-26 season, with the opening game scheduled at Hagley Oval on March 29, followed by two more matches at Cello Basin Reserve on April 1 and 4.
Coach Sawyer noted the team's eagerness to finish the season strongly: "After a successful T20 series win, the team is excited to carry that momentum into the ODIs. It has been a busy end to the summer for the White Ferns, and we aim to conclude the season with another competitive series."
New Zealand Squad: Amelia Kerr (c), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp.
Point of View
Kayley Knight's selection is a testament to her hard work and potential. This opportunity reflects New Zealand's commitment to nurturing emerging talent while maintaining a competitive squad for the ODI series.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kayley Knight?
Kayley Knight is a 22-year-old cricketer who has recently been selected for her first ODI series with New Zealand against South Africa, following her impressive performances in T20 cricket.
When does the ODI series against South Africa start?
The ODI series against South Africa starts on March 29, with the first match taking place at Hagley Oval.
Why is Kayley Knight's selection significant?
Knight's selection is significant as it marks her debut in ODIs and highlights her rapid rise in international cricket following strong domestic performances.
