Knight Called Up to New Zealand Squad for ODIs Against South Africa

Kayley Knight, a fast bowler, has received her first ODI call-up for New Zealand's squad to face South Africa in a three-match series starting Sunday. Knight, 22, made her T20I debut last month against Zimbabwe, taking 2-25 on debut. She's known for her pace and control, and her short ball regularly challenges batters, says head coach Ben Sawyer. The squad also includes experienced players like Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer, who return from injury, replacing Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis, and Bella James. Knight replaces Molly Penfold.The ODI series begins at Hagley Oval on March 29, followed by matches at the Basin Reserve on April 1 and 4. New Zealand's ODI squad is shaping up! Experienced players Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, and Georgia Plimmer are back from injury, joining Kayley Knight, who gets her maiden ODI call-up. They're replacing Emma McLeod, Polly Inglis, and Bella James, with Knight taking Molly Penfold's spot. The T20I series is already won 3-1, and the teams are gearing up for the ODI series starting Sunday in Christchurch, then moving to Wellington. "It's great to call Kayley up for her first ODI series," New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer said. "Kayley's got good pace and control, and a short ball that regularly challenges batters." Amelia Kerr (capt), Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Kayley Knight, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Georgia Plimmer, Izzy Sharp.