New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially announced its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025, set to be held in Malaysia. The squad comprises a mix of experienced players and new talent, aiming to leave a mark on the global stage.
Tash Wakelin to lead the White Ferns
Tash Wakelin, an off-spinning allrounder from Northern Districts, has been named captain. Wakelin was the top wicket-taker at the National U19 Tournament in December and previously represented New Zealand in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023. She is among five players — alongside Kate Chandler, Louisa Kotkamp, Emma McLeod, and Kate Irwin — returning for their second World Cup.
Auckland’s dominance in the squad
Seven players from Auckland Cricket’s National U19 tournament-winning team have earned spots in the squad. This includes Rishika Jaswal, a talented leg-spinner who shared the Girls First XI Cup ‘Most Valuable Player’ award with Emma McLeod in 2023 and claimed the accolade outright in 2024.
Also READ: Scotland unveils 15-member squad for ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025
Excitement from the coaching staff
Sara McGlashan, NZC High Performance coach, highlighted the significance of representing New Zealand as a career-defining achievement, emphasizing that World Cups provide a unique platform for players to showcase their talents on the international stage. She praised the squad for its combination of diverse skills, athletic prowess, and eagerness to grow, expressing confidence in their potential to achieve great success in the future.
“Representing New Zealand is a massive moment in any career, and World Cups are rare opportunities to showcase your skills on the global stage. This squad brings a mix of skill, athleticism, and a hunger to learn, making it a group full of potential for future success,” said McGlashan as quoted by NZC.
Preparation and schedule
The squad will participate in a pre-departure camp in Wellington before assembling in Auckland on January 10. They will depart for Malaysia the following day. Ahead of the tournament, New Zealand will play two warm-up matches against the USA and West Indies on January 13 and 15, respectively. The team will then compete in Pool C, facing South Africa, Nigeria, and Samoa in the group stage.
New Zealand Squad for U19 T20 World Cup 2025
Tash Wakelin (captain), Elizabeth Buchanan, Kate Chandler, Sophie Court, Hannah Francis, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Louisa Kotkamp, Ayaan Lambat, Emma McLeod, Hannah O’Connor, Darcy-Rose Prasad, Anika Tauwhare, Anika Todd, Eve Wolland.
Also READ: England announces squad for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025; Abi Norgrove to lead
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.