The New Zealand women’s cricket team marked a historic start to their white-ball series against Zimbabwe at Seddon Park on February 26, with 23-year-old Nensi Patel becoming the first Indian-born player to don the White Ferns cap.
Patel received her ceremonial cap from teammate Brooke Halliday before the match, officially signalling her international debut.
The off-spinning all-rounder had been centrally contracted for the 2022–23 season but had not previously played for the national side.
She enjoyed a standout summer with Northern Brave, finishing as the team’s top run-scorer in the Super Smash and tied for second in wickets taken.
On her T20 debut, Patel bowled a disciplined spell of four overs for 20 runs, helping New Zealand claim a 92-run victory in the series opener.
Though she did not bat, Patel said the nerves eased after her first over. “Going into the second over, I felt much more comfortable,” she reflected.
She only realised the historic nature of her selection after the match, describing the moment as a proud occasion for her family both in the stands and back in India.
“It means a lot to have my family’s support and to make them proud,” Patel said. “It shows the younger generation that hard work can take you to the highest level.”
The White Ferns continued their dominant form in the second T20I in Hamilton, bowling Zimbabwe out for just 86 to secure a 110-run win.
Early wickets by Jess Kerr and Bree Illing set the tone, while Patel and Kayley Knight both picked up two wickets apiece, with Patel finishing 2/11 off four overs.
New Zealand captain Melie Kerr, leading the team in her first assignment as permanent captain, has introduced fresh talent following the retirement of Sophie Devine from 50-over cricket and injuries to Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, and resting of Lea Tahuhu.
Northern Brave duo Patel and Knight were named in the squad to provide international experience ahead of the T20 World Cup in England this June.
The White Ferns aim to complete a clean sweep when they face Zimbabwe in the third T20I on Sunday at Seddon Park. The series also includes three ODIs, forming part of a busy build-up to the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Support our Journalism
No-nonsense journalism. No paywalls. Whether you’re in Australia, the UK, Canada, the USA, or India, you can support The Australia Today by taking a paid subscription via Patreon or donating via PayPal — and help keep honest, fearless journalism alive.
