The international selections keep rolling in for CD cricketers with Central Hinds wicketkeeper-batter Kate Gaging earning her first call-up for NZC’s New Zealand A squad.

Gaging will join Central Hinds captain Hannah Rowe on a ground-breaking New Zealand A tour to Sri Lanka this month where a 15-strong squad will play three one-dayers and three T20s against the Sri Lanka A women. 

All of the matches will take place at Dambulla’s Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium (RDICS), and Gaging will be one of eight players in the frame to make their New Zealand A debut.

With so many fresh faces in the NZ A team, super-experienced WHITE FERN Rowe brings invaluable guidance and touring nous to the group who will set off for Sri Lanka tomorrow on the first ever New Zealand A women’s tour to an Asian country.

Hannah Rowe | PHOTOSPORT

Gaging has previously played against Sri Lanka's international team in two 2024/25 tour warm-up fixtures in Lincoln, for a New Zealand XI (a bespoke selection composed of available players) - making two stumpings, without getting a chance to bat herself.

The upcoiming Women’s A expedition follows hot on the heels of the men’s New Zealand A tour to the same country that saw Central Stags batter Curtis Heaphy perform with distinction.

NZC says the tour provides an excellent opportunity to test the next best women’s cricketers in New Zealand in largely unfamiliar subcontinent conditions.

The squad features seven players with WHITE FERNS experience: Rowe, Northern’s Kayley Knight and Jess Watkin, Auckland Hearts Bella Armstrong and a returning Fran Jonas, Canterbury Magician Kate Anderson and Otago’s Bella James.

Canterbury men’s assistant coach Brendon Donkers will lead a coaching unit supported by Northern Brave women’s head coach Peter Borren and NZC pathway coach and Hinds alumna, Sara McGlashan.

Gaging and Rowe | PHOTOSPORT

NZC head of women’s high performance Liz Green, a fellow Hinds alumna, noted that it was a busy winter for New Zealand’s top female talent.

“Sri Lanka’s going to be a really exciting tour for this group of talented athletes,” she said.

“We know playing opportunities are crucial for player development so it’s really pleasing to know we’ll have 15 players in England with the WHITE FERNS and 15 players in Sri Lanka with New Zealand A, all at the same time.

“That’s a lot of cricket, and hopefully a lot of growth.”

Green said selecting the New Zealand A squad wasn’t easy: “The selection process was one of the most competitive to date.

"There were a number of impressive performers we saw this summer which gave us a lot to think about.

"There are varying levels of experience in this squad and they’ve all shown skills consistent with what’s needed at the international level, so it should make for an exciting series." 

The captaincy will be confirmed in due course.

May 2026 Tour of Sri Lanka

Kate Anderson — Canterbury Magicians

Bella Armstrong* — Auckland Hearts

Emma Black — Otago Sparks

Prue Catton — Auckland Hearts

Marama Downes* — Northern Brave

Kate Gaging* — wicketkeeper, Central Hinds

Fran Jonas — Auckland Hearts

Bella James — Otago Sparks

Xara Jetly* — Wellington Blaze

Kayley Knight* — Northern Brave

Darcy Prasad* — Canterbury Magicians

Hannah Rowe — Central Hinds

Tash Wakelin* — Northern Brave

PJ Watkins* — Otago Sparks

Jess Watkin — Northern Brave

* Potential NZ A debut 

 

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Article added: Wednesday 6 May 2026