Wellington, 03 March (H.S.):
New Zealand women's cricket team suffered a major blow ahead of their ODI series against Zimbabwe, with top-order batter Georgia Plimmer ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained during practice before the T20I series.
Plimmer missed the final two T20Is after the injury in training; New Zealand swept the series 3-0. Bella James, initially a batting cover for the third T20I, now officially replaces her for the ODIs, having debuted against Australia in December 2024 and featured in last year's ODI World Cup squad without playing.
Coach Backs Experience, New Faces Added
Head coach Ben Sawyer said: Georgia brings vital top-order stability and infectious energy to the side—her absence is unfortunate. Bella is a class cricketer with nearly 100 List A matches; her experience will seamlessly integrate into the lineup.Off-spinner Nancy Patel and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Sharp, both ODI uncapped, join the squad.
Patel claimed five wickets in the T20Is, while Sharp remained unbeaten on 18 and 22.The three-match ODI series starts March 5, part of the 2025-2029 Women's Championship cycle—Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan, and West Indies have begun theirs.
New Zealand Women's ODI Squad: Amelia Kerr (capt), Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Emma MacLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nancy Patel, Molly Penfold, Izzy Sharp (wk).
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
