A New Zealand U19 squad boasting 11 domestically contracted players has been named for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia later this month.

The product of a new two-year pathway programme, the squad has been selected on the back of increased development opportunities, including winter training camps, a Tri-Series in Australia, and the inaugural ‘Bates v Devine’ T20 tournament in 2024.

Tash Wakelin, Kate Chandler, Louisa Kotkamp, Emma McLeod and Kate Irwin are set for their second World Cup after all four featured in New Zealand’s semi-final at the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.

Wakelin, an off-spinning allrounder from Northern Districts, who was the top wicket-taker at the National U19 Tournament in December, will captain the side.

Seven players from Auckland Cricket’s National U19 tournament-winning team have been named in the squad, including Auckland Hearts leg-spinner Rishika Jaswal, who was awarded the 2024 Girls First XI Cup ‘Most Valuable Player’, an honour she shared with McLeod in 2023.

NZC High Performance coach Sara McGlashan said it was an exciting time for all those selected.

“Representing New Zealand is a massive moment in any career, and World Cups are rare opportunities to showcase your skills on the global stage,” said McGlashan.

“This squad brings a mix of skill, athleticism, and a hunger to learn, making it a group full of potential for future success.”

McGlashan said the success of the pathway programme was evident.

“I’m really pleased with how successful the programme has been in terms of player development - the results were evident in players’ improved ability during the National U19 Tournament.

“The opportunity to have contact with players during winter camps ensured there was constant development, even in the off-season.”

McGlashan acknowledged the depth of talent coming through the pathway system.

“This age group is full of exciting talent, with many players already having valuable domestic experience.

“The standard of the National U19 Tournament improves every year, which is a testament to the talent pool and the efforts of the pathway programme within the Major Associations.”

McGlashan will lead the coaching unit, supported by Wellington Blaze assistant coach Luke Woodcock, and Auckland Hearts assistant coach Matt Blandford.

New Zealand Under-19 Squad

Tash Wakelin* (C) Northern Districts
Elizabeth Buchanan* Auckland Cricket
Kate Chandler* Cricket Wellington
Sophie Court* Auckland Cricket
Hannah Francis* Cricket Wellington
Kate Irwin* Auckland Cricket
Rishika Jaswal* Auckland Cricket
Louisa Kotkamp* Otago Cricket
Ayaan Lambat Auckland Cricket
Emma McLeod* Central Districts
Hannah O’Connor Otago Cricket
Darcy-Rose Prasad Canterbury Cricket
Anika Tauwhare Auckland Cricket
Anika Todd* Auckland Cricket
Eve Wolland* Northern Districts

* On domestic contracts

Players must be born after the first of September 2005 to be eligible to compete in the 2025 tournament.

Following their pre-departure camp in Wellington, the squad will assemble in Auckland on January 10 before departing for Malaysia the following day.

New Zealand will play two warm-up fixtures against USA and West Indies on January 13 and 15 respectively, followed by three matches against its Pool C opponents, South Africa, Nigeria and Samoa.

Matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, and live scored at nzc.nz and the NZC App.

New Zealand’s ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Schedule

Warm-up Matches (Not broadcast)
Monday January 13  – 3.30pm NZT v USA
Wednesday January 15  – 3.30pm NZT v West Indies

Group C Matches
Saturday January 18  - 7.30pm NZT v South Africa
Monday January 20 – 3.30pm NZT v Nigeria
Wednesday January22  – 3.30pm NZT v Samoa