Flora Devonshire, Izzy Sharp, and Nensi Patel are the latest additions to New Zealand’s 17-player women’s central contract list for the 2026-27 season. They replace Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Lea Tahuhu, who will retire from International Cricket after the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in England.
Sharp is a wicketkeeper-batter, while Devonshire is known for her strong ball-striking and slow left-arm orthodox spin. Both have been in New Zealand Cricket’s Central Players of Interest program, aimed at fast-tracking talented players.
Devonshire, aged 23, debuted in T20Is against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on March 16 and followed it up with her ODI debut against South Africa on March 29.
Nensi Patel, 24, has already played in seven ODIs and six T20Is, making her debut against Zimbabwe this year.
Sharp, 21, has the most experience among the three, having played nine ODIs and 14 T20Is. All three players are part of New Zealand’s squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup.
Head Coach Ben Sawyer Praises New Additions
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer believes the new players will enhance the team:
“Flora’s a strong striker with a lot of power. As a left-hander, she adds variety and can hit to different areas, plus she brings her left-arm orthodox bowling,” Sawyer stated in a press release from New Zealand Cricket.
“Nensi is consistently accurate and has great control over her bowling length and speed.
“Izzy’s batting is improving steadily. She shares similar strengths with Sophie, and with Sophie retiring soon, it’s exciting to integrate someone like Izzy with a central contract to further develop her skills.”
New Zealand’s 17-Player Women’s Central Contract List (2026-27)
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, Izzy Sharp