Georgia Plimmer, the New Zealand batter, has been ruled out of the ODI series against Zimbabwe because of a shoulder injury. She sustained the injury while training during the T20I series against Zimbabwe – which New Zealand won 3-0 – and had missed the second and third T20Is too.
Bella James, who was called in as batting cover for Plimmer before the third T20I last Sunday, will remain with the squad as her replacement for the ODIs. James made her ODI debut against Australia in December 2024 and played two matches against them. She was also part of the ODI World Cup last year but didn’t feature in an XI.
“Georgia is a key player for us at the top of the order and the energy she brings into the group is something we really value,” head coach Ben Sawyer said. “So it’s a shame to have her miss this next series. Bella is a great cricketer who’s played nearly 100 List-A matches in her career so far. That experience is extremely valuable, and she’ll fit straight back into the side seamlessly.”
Offspinner Nensi Patel and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Sharp, both uncapped in ODIs, were also named in the squad. Nensi starred with five wickets in the T20Is against Zimbabwe while Sharp made 18 not out and 22 not out.
The three ODIs from March 5 are part of the 2025-2029 Women’s Championship cycle. Only Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies have kicked off their campaigns in the cycle so far.
New Zealand squad
Amelia Kerr (capt), Isabella Gaze (wk), Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Emma McLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Izzy Sharp (wk)