New Zealand ready to take T20 World Cup by storm
Squad:
Izzy Sharp (c), Olivia Anderson, Anna Browning, Kate Chandler, Natasha Codyre, Isabella Gaze, Antonia Hamilton, Abigail Hotton, Fran Jonas, Lousia Kotkamp, Kayley Knight, Paige Loggenberg, Emma McLeod, Georgia Plimmer, Tash Wakelin
Schedule:
15 January v Indonesia at Absa Puk Oval, Potchefstroom
17 January v Ireland at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
19 January v West Indies at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom
Key Player - Fran Jonas
A slow left-arm orthodox by trade, Fran Jonas has already made her mark on the international scene. At the time of writing, the 18-year-old is ranked 15th in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Bowlers’ Rankings.
Jonas made her domestic debut at the age of just 15, representing the Auckland Hearts in the 2019-20 edition of the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, domestic women’s 50-over competition in New Zealand.
There has been no looking back ever since as in September 2020, she became the youngest female player to receive a development contract from the New Zealand women’s team.
By February 2021, she was a capped player for New Zealand at just 16 years of age, making her debut in the series against England.
Jonas already has a taste of the big stage, having represented New Zealand in the Women’s Cricket World Cup on home soil last year and more recently, the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Jonas already has 23 caps for New Zealand’s senior team, where she has been a revelation in the shortest format. She will be keen to replicate her performances at the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa in February.
Expectations:
New Zealand’s squad is primed with players who have made a solid impression in both international and domestic cricket.
Apart from Jonas, Georgia Plimmer and Isabella Gaze are players who are a part of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup squad and have already received their senior caps. Between the three of them, they have 49 international caps and their experience could prove to be vital during the tournament.
New Zealand are placed in Group C alongside Indonesia, Ireland and West Indies and are strong contenders to not only finish on top but also go deep into the latter stages of the tournament.
