February 20, 2025: New Zealand seamer Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a knee injury, leaving her sidelined for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Australia. Penfold, 23, suffered a torn meniscus in her left knee while playing in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this month. She has since undergone surgery and is expected to take up to 12 weeks to recover.
“It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to end, especially after strong contributions during the Rose Bowl series,” said Ben Sawyer, New Zealand’s head coach. “We’re all gutted for Molly, but the positive is that her recovery timeline should see her fit for our winter training schedule.”
Penfold has made notable contributions to the White Ferns, taking nine wickets in 14 ODIs and seven in 10 T20Is. Her best performance came during the second ODI against Australia in December at the Basin Reserve, where she recorded a career-best 4/42.
The White Ferns will also be without their captain, Sophie Devine, for the Sri Lanka series as she continues her break from the game. Her availability for the Australia matches remains uncertain.
The White Ferns are set to face Sri Lanka in a three-match ODI and T20I series beginning on March 4, all to be held in New Zealand. The squad for the series is expected to be announced later this month. Following the Sri Lanka series, New Zealand will take on Australia in three T20Is.
Notably, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu will leave the Women’s Premier League early to join her team for the tour, while New Zealand’s Amelia Kerr will stay in India.