New Zealand’s White Ferns head into the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup as defending champions following their 32-run win over South Africa in Dubai on October 20, 2024. Led by captain Amelia Kerr, the squad combines experienced names with five debutants—Nensi Patel, Izzy Sharp, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, and Flora Devonshire—who are set to feature on the global stage for the first time.
All five players have emerged through the Women’s Super Smash 2025/26, bringing a mix of batting strength, bowling depth, and versatility. Ahead of the tournament, New Zealand will face England in a preparatory ODI and T20I series from May 10 to 25 as they build towards their title defence.
Nensi Patel: All-Round Impact
Nensi Patel impressed for Northern Districts in the Super Smash, scoring 203 runs at a strike rate of 98.06 and an average of 22.55 across 10 matches, including a half-century. She also claimed 10 wickets at an average of 18.10 and an economy rate of 6.70.
Since making her T20I debut on February 25, 2026, against Zimbabwe in Hamilton, Patel has taken 6 wickets at an average of 9.50 and an economy of 3.56 across four matches. In ODIs since her debut on March 5 in Dunedin, she has picked up 3 wickets and scored 12 runs. Her all-round ability provides balance in both departments.
Izzy Sharp: Top-Order Firepower
Izzy Sharp was Canterbury Magicians’ leading run-scorer in the Super Smash, amassing 245 runs at a strike rate of 128.94 and an average of 30.62, with two half-centuries.
At international level, she has scored 61 runs in ODIs since her debut on March 5, 2026, and 105 runs in T20Is since March 14, maintaining a strike rate of 128.04 and an average of 35 across 11 matches. Her attacking approach strengthens New Zealand’s top order.
Bree Illing: Pace Option
Bree Illing led Auckland Hearts’ bowling attack in the Super Smash, taking 8 wickets at an average of 27.37 and an economy rate of 5.91.
She made her ODI debut on March 4, 2025, against Sri Lanka in Napier and has since taken 13 wickets across 11 matches. In T20Is, she has claimed 4 wickets since her debut on March 14, 2025. Illing adds control and pace, particularly in the latter stages of an innings.
Polly Inglis: Wicketkeeper-Batter Depth
Polly Inglis contributed 184 runs for Otago Sparks in the Super Smash at a strike rate of 132.37 and an average of 26.28.
She featured in New Zealand’s squad for the 2025 ODI World Cup and has scored 48 runs in ODIs at a strike rate of 154.83 across six matches. In T20Is, she has made 7 runs in limited opportunities. Her role combines wicketkeeping duties with lower-order batting depth.
Flora Devonshire: Versatile Option
Flora Devonshire, another member of the 2025 ODI World Cup squad, scored 142 runs and took 5 wickets for Central Districts in the Super Smash.
She made her T20I debut on March 16, 2025, against Sri Lanka, taking 2 wickets in three matches. Her ODI debut came on March 29, 2026, against South Africa. Devonshire’s all-round skills offer flexibility to the team.
New Zealand’s Depth on Display
The inclusion of these five players reflects the depth in New Zealand’s setup, with each bringing experience from domestic competitions into the international arena. Under Amelia Kerr’s leadership, they will look to contribute across phases as the team aims to defend its title.
