Molly Penfold Out for the Season Due to Knee Injury
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Synopsis
New Zealand's Molly Penfold is out for the season with a knee injury. The pace bowler is expected to recover in 8-12 weeks after surgery, missing crucial matches against Sri Lanka and Australia. Coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment, noting her contributions to the team before her injury.
Key Takeaways
- Molly Penfold ruled out due to knee injury.
- Expected recovery time: 8-12 weeks.
- Misses matches against Sri Lanka and Australia.
- Ben Sawyer expresses disappointment for the player.
- New Zealand women’s team to face Sri Lanka next month.
Auckland, Feb 20 (NationPress) New Zealand women's pace bowler Molly Penfold has been sidelined for the remainder of the home summer following a torn meniscus in her left knee, as confirmed by the NZC on Thursday.
This injury will prevent Penfold from participating in the remaining matches of the HBJ Shield as well as the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Australia.
"Penfold suffered the injury while warming up before the Auckland Hearts Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield game earlier this month. The 23-year-old underwent surgery last week and is anticipated to return to full fitness within eight to twelve weeks," stated the NZC.
Penfold has claimed nine wickets in 14 ODIs and seven in 10 T20Is. During the ODI series against Australia last December, she achieved her career-best performance of 4-42 in the second match held at the Basin Reserve.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment at the news for Penfold. “We’re all heartbroken for Molly. It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to conclude, particularly after her strong performances during the Rose Bowl series. The silver lining is that her recovery period should allow her to participate in our winter training schedule,” he mentioned.
The New Zealand women’s team is set to compete in three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka next month, followed by three T20Is against Australia.
The team will also miss Sophie Devine for the Sri Lanka matches as she continues to prioritize her health. She has also opted out of the Super Smash and the 2025 Women’s Premier League based on professional advice.
As captain, Devine significantly contributed to the White Ferns' triumph in last year's ICC Women's T20 World Cup held in the UAE in October. The all-rounder is nearing a significant milestone, having accumulated 3,990 runs in Women's ODIs, with an average of 31.66 in international 50-over cricket.
Devine, who was part of RCB's title-winning campaign in 2024, was retained ahead of the 2025 auction. In the 2024 season, she scored 136 runs and took six wickets across ten matches. After her withdrawal from WPL 2025, RCB selected Heather Graham as Devine's replacement.
