Kayley Knight receives maiden call-up for South Africa ODI series

Kayley Knight (Source: Kayley Knight/Instagram)

New Zealand have handed a maiden call-up to fast-bowler Kayley Knight to their squad for the ODI series against South Africa.

Knight made her T20I debut for the White Ferns in the series against Zimbabwe, which they won 3-0. In the two games she played, she picked up two wickets.

She comes into the squad on the back of strong performances in the domestic circuit, picking up 10 wickets for Northern Districts in nine innings. A part of New Zealand’s 2023 U-19 World Cup squad, Knight has also performed in the 50-over format. She picked up 17 wickets in 11 matches as Northern Districts lifted the 2025/26 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield.

New Zealand Women’s coach Ben Sawyer expressed his delight at Knight’s inclusion in the squad, praising her performances in the domestic circuit.

“It’s great to call Kayley up for her first ODI series. Kayley’s got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters. She was an integral part of the Brave’s title-winning HBJ campaign and has shown she has the tools to hold her in good stead in the international game,” he said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Meanwhile, Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer return from injury layoffs, replacing Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis, and Bella James. Knight comes into the squad for Molly Penfold.

The White Ferns currently lead 3-1 in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, with the final game to be played on March 25. The ODI series will commence on March 29.

New Zealand squad for South Africa ODIs

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.

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