Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp secure New Zealand central contracts for 2026-27 season

Three emerging players have earned New Zealand Women’s central contracts for the upcoming season after proving their potential in the development pathway program.

Pathway program unlocks new talent Flora Devonshire and Izzy Sharp earned their contracts after spending the previous year in New Zealand Cricket's Central Players of Interest program, a structured initiative aimed at speeding up the growth of promising young players. The trio of Devonshire, Patel, and Sharp now replace Suzie Bates, Lauren Down, and Lea Tahuhu on the contracted list. Sophie Devine, who had a temporary playing arrangement last season, is also not included in the contracted group. Lauren Down has concluded her international career, while Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, and Sophie Devine are set to retire after the upcoming Women's T20 World Cup. ## Experienced core welcomes new faces The contracted players join a seasoned leadership group led by captain Melie Kerr, alongside established performers including Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Georgia Plimmer. The updated central contract list features 17 players, now including Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Fran Jonas, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Nensi Patel, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, and Izzy Sharp. ## Devonshire’s rapid rise highlighted Flora Devonshire, a left-arm batting allrounder representing Central Districts, made her international debut in March 2025 and was shortly after selected for two World Cup squads. Hailing from the same region, she has quickly become a key asset with both bat and ball in domestic competitions. ## Patel returns to contracted ranks Nensi Patel has rejoined the contracted group after previously holding a central contract in the 2022-23 season. The spin-bowling allrounder from Northern Districts has made a strong start to her international career since her February debut, claiming 14 wickets in T20Is at an average of 9.8 and an economy rate of 4.04. Patel delivered a standout performance in New Zealand’s opening warm-up match before the Women's T20 World Cup, taking four wickets for just 18 runs against Bangladesh. ## Sharp’s domestic success earns national call-up Izzy Sharp, a powerful right-handed batter from Timaru, captained New Zealand at the inaugural Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup in 2023 during her first domestic contract with Canterbury. As a key contributor to the Canterbury Magicians, she averaged 30 and struck at 128 during the 2025-26 Super Smash season, topping the team’s run-scoring charts. ## Jonas retains contract after A-team standout Left-arm spinner Fran Jonas has held onto her central contract after recently featuring for New Zealand A during their tour of Sri Lanka. Her retention reflects consistent performances at the domestic and A-team level. ## Coach praises new additions Ben Sawyer, New Zealand’s head coach, highlighted the strengths of the newly contracted players. He described Flora Devonshire as a clean and powerful striker who offers variety with her left-handed batting and left-arm orthodox bowling. Sawyer also praised Nensi Patel for her bowling accuracy and control over length and pace. On Izzy Gaze, he noted her improving batting form and power, suggesting she can develop further as Sophie Devine approaches retirement.