Wellington [New Zealand], February 20: Wellington, New Zealand – New Zealand seamer Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, missing the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Australia. The 23-year-old sustained a torn meniscus in her left knee while playing in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this month. Following surgery, she is expected to require up to 12 weeks for full recovery.
New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment over Penfold’s injury, noting, “We’re all gutted for Molly. It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to end, especially after strong contributions during the Rose Bowl series. The positive is that her recovery timelines should see her fit for our winter training schedule.”
Penfold, who has taken nine wickets in 14 ODIs and seven in 10 T20Is, had a standout performance with a career-best 4/42 in the second ODI against Australia at the Basin Reserve last December.
Additionally, New Zealand will also be without captain Sophie Devine for the Sri Lanka series, as she continues her break from the game. Her availability for the Australia series remains uncertain. The White Ferns are scheduled to play Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI and T20I series starting March 4, followed by three T20Is against Australia. Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, will leave the WPL early to join the tour, while New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr will remain in India.
The New Zealand Cricket (NZC) is expected to announce the squad for the white-ball series later this month.