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New Zealand have recently unveiled their squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Australia, set to begin on March 21, 2025.
Return of key players for the New Zealand
The series will be played across three venues – Eden Park in Auckland, which will host the opening game on March 21, followed by Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, for the second match on March 23, and concluding at Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 26.
Suzie Bates will continue as the interim captain, having led the team to a 1-1 series draw against Sri Lanka in their previous assignment. The squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, ensuring a well-balanced unit to take on a formidable Australian side. The return of Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and Lea Tahuhu strengthens the team significantly, as they look to challenge their trans-Tasman rivals. With a competitive lineup and home advantage, New Zealand will be aiming for a strong performance in this much-anticipated series.
New Zealand’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against Australia
1. Suzie Bates (C) – Opener, Anchor, Experienced leader
One of New Zealand’s most accomplished batters, Bates was the top scorer in the Sri Lanka series, amassing 99 runs at a strike rate of 112.50. As captain, she provides stability at the top and can build an innings while accelerating when needed. Her leadership and consistency will be key in guiding the young squad.
2. Sophie Devine – Opener, explosive batter, Medium-pace all-rounder
Returning after a break, Devine is one of the most destructive all-rounders in women’s T20 cricket. Her aggressive batting and ability to clear the ropes make her a dangerous power-hitter. Additionally, her medium-pace bowling provides a valuable option in the powerplay and death overs.
3. Georgia Plimmer – Top-order batter, Aggressive stroke-maker
A rising talent in New Zealand cricket, Plimmer has shown promise as a fearless top-order batter. She can anchor the innings if needed or accelerate depending on the situation, making her an ideal No.3 against a strong Australian attack.
4. Amelia Kerr – Batting all-rounder, Leg-spinner
One of the most versatile cricketers in the squad, Kerr is returning after winning the WPL 2024 title with Mumbai Indians. A skilled leg-spinner and a dynamic batter, she provides crucial breakthroughs with the ball and can play a finisher’s role in the middle order.
5. Maddy Green – Middle-order batter, Stability provider
A dependable presence in the middle order, Green has the ability to rotate strike and counter spin effectively. She is one of New Zealand’s most experienced batters and will play a crucial role in handling Australia’s spin attack in the middle overs.
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6. Brooke Halliday – Lower Middle-order batter, Handy all-rounder
Halliday is a calm and composed batter who can hold the innings together in the middle and death overs. She has the ability to accelerate when required and can also chip in with part-time bowling if needed. Her presence strengthens New Zealand’s middle order, adding depth to their batting lineup.
7. Jess Kerr – All-rounder, Swing bowler, Lower-order hitter
Kerr is an essential component of New Zealand’s attack, known for her ability to swing the ball early in the innings. She can be used effectively in the powerplay and middle overs to break partnerships. With the bat, she adds valuable depth, capable of striking the ball cleanly in the final overs.
8. Lea Tahuhu – Lead fast bowler, Powerplay specialist
Returning from a hamstring injury, Tahuhu is New Zealand’s fastest bowler and an experienced campaigner. She is a strike bowler in the powerplay, known for her aggressive, short-pitched bowling. If she regains her rhythm, she will be crucial in dismissing Australia’s top order early.
9. Fran Jonas – Left-arm spinner, Middle-overs wicket-taker
Jonas offers a different spin variation with her left-arm orthodox bowling, making her a key component in breaking partnerships during the middle overs. She has developed into a dependable spinner who can control the run rate and force batters into mistakes.
10. Eden Carson – Off-spinner, Economical bowler, Pressure builder
Carson complements Jonas as a frontline spinner, providing New Zealand with a dual-spin attack against Australia’s aggressive batting lineup. She is known for her tight lines and variations, making her effective in both the powerplay and the death overs.
11. Rosemary Mair – Pacer, Death-overs specialist
Mair adds balance to the pace attack, capable of bowling at different phases of the game. She can trouble batters with her variations, especially in the death overs where she specializes in yorkers and slower balls.
