Bella James will stay on with New Zealand for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Zimbabwe after Georgia Plimmer was ruled out with a shoulder problem. Plimmer hurt herself during training in the middle of the recent T20I campaign – New Zealand swept that 3-0 – and sat out the last two matches.
James, originally flown in as cover before the final T20I, now fills the vacancy at the top of the order. The left-hander has only two ODIs to her name, both against Australia in December 2024, yet she brings a weight of domestic experience and featured in last year’s World Cup squad, even if she didn’t make the 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.”
Two uncapped players keep their places from the T20Is: off-spinner Nensi Patel and wicketkeeper-batter Izzy Sharp. Patel claimed five wickets across the three T20Is, extracting turn on otherwise placid surfaces, while Sharp impressed with calm unbeaten knocks of 18 and 22.
The ODIs, starting in Hamilton on 5 March, mark New Zealand’s entry into the 2025-29 ICC Women’s Championship. Only Sri Lanka, South Africa, Pakistan and West Indies have banked points so far, so a strong start could give New Zealand an early cushion in the qualification race.
On paper the home side look solid, though the top order will feel lighter without Plimmer’s punch. James, often steady rather than explosive, may need to set a platform for the Kerr sisters and Maddy Green to exploit later on. Patel’s inclusion adds an extra spin option alongside Amelia Kerr, hinting at pitches expected to take some turn.
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)
