Devonshire, Nensi Patel & Izzy Sharp Earns New Zealand Central Contracts for 2026-27 Season

The young talents Flora Devonshire, Nensi Patel and Izzy Sharp have earned maiden New Zealand Central contracts for the 2026-27 season.

Flora Devonshire and Izzy Sharp’s contracts follow their involvement in NZC’s Central Players of Interest programme over the past 12 months.

The programme is one of the gateway of the women’s avenues that aims to accelerate the development of high-potential talent.

Meanwhile, Suzie Bates, Lauren Down and Lea Tahuhu have been left out of the New Zealand central contracts following their international retirements, alongside Sophie Devine.

The New Zealand central contracts list has included an experienced list of white ferns, including Melia Kerr, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, and Georgia Plimmer.

Devonshire made her international debut in March 2025 and has been part of two World Cup squads. She persisted through finger injuries over the last year and continued to impress with her all-around abilities in domestic cricket.

Meanwhile, Spin bowling all-rounder Nensi Patel has received her first White Ferns contract in the 2022-23 season. She also made an impressive game in New Zealand’s opening Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up game against Bangladesh.

She has 14 wickets since her international debut in February. Meanwhile, Timaru had led the U19 New Zealand side in the U19 T20 World Cup in 2023 and has been handed a contract.

Speaking on the central contract, White Ferns head coach Ben Sawyer said, “Congratulations to all 17 contracted players, especially to Flora, Nensi and Izzy who are new to the list.”

“All three of these players add talent and energy to the group, and we’re really excited about their future as WHITE FERNS.”

“Every year, the contracting process gets tougher because there’s a growing pool of players fighting for spots.

“It means there’s genuine depth building in our women’s system, which is ultimately a great thing for the WHITE FERNS.”

“Flora’s a clean striker with lots of power. Being left-handed, she offers a point of difference as she’s able to hit to different areas of the field, and there’s the bonus of her left-arm orthodox bowling.

“Nensi’s consistently accurate with the ball, and she has great control over her length and pace.”

Sawyer said similarities between Sharp and Sophie Devine. “Izzy’s batting has been building from strength to strength.”

“She possesses similar qualities to Sophie, and with Sophie stepping away from international cricket soon, it’s really exciting to bring someone with Izzy’s power onto a central contract so we can keep working with her to develop those skills.”

New Zealand central contract: 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 RoweIzzy Sharp