WELLINGTON, March 3 – New Zealand women’s cricket team has suffered a blow ahead of their ODI series against Zimbabwe, with key top-order batter Georgia Plimmer ruled out due to a shoulder injury. Bella James steps in as her replacement, having been called up earlier as injury cover before the third T20.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment over Plimmer’s absence. ‘Georgia brings immense energy to our top order and the group dynamic. We truly value her contributions, so it’s heartbreaking she won’t feature in the upcoming series,’ Sawyer remarked.
James, who made her ODI debut against Australia in December 2024, played two matches in that series. She was also part of last year’s ODI World Cup squad but didn’t get a game. With nearly 100 List-A matches under her belt, Sawyer is confident in her integration. ‘Bella is a class act with invaluable experience. She’ll slot back into the team seamlessly,’ he added.
The squad also retains Nancy Patel and Izzy Sharp, both potential ODI debutants. Patel impressed with five wickets in the preceding T20 series against Zimbabwe, while Sharp contributed unbeaten knocks of 18 and 22.
The three-match ODI series, starting March 5, forms part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025-2029 cycle. New Zealand dominated the T20 leg 3-0 and now eyes another clean sweep as hosts.
New Zealand Women’s ODI Squad vs Zimbabwe: Amelia Kerr (c), Izzy Gaze, Maddie Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Emma MacLeod, Rosemary Mair, Nancy Patel, Molly Penfold, Izzy Sharp.