New Zealand seamer Molly Penfold has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a knee injury, missing upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Australia. The 23-year-old tore the meniscus in her left knee during a match earlier this month and underwent surgery, with a recovery period of up to 12 weeks. New Zealand head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment for Penfold, noting her strong contributions in previous matches. Despite the setback, her recovery timeline could allow her to participate in winter training. Penfold has taken nine wickets in 14 ODIs and seven in 10 T20Is.
At 23 years old, Penfold suffered a torn meniscus in her left knee while competing in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield earlier this month and has undergone surgery, with an estimated recovery period of up to 12 weeks.
“We’re all heartbroken for Molly,” said Ben Sawyer, the head coach of New Zealand. “It’s a really unfortunate way for her summer to conclude, especially following her solid performances during the Rose Bowl series. On the upside, her recovery timeline suggests she should be ready for our winter training program.”
Penfold has claimed nine wickets in 14 One Day Internationals and seven in 10 T20 Internationals. In the ODI series against Australia last December, she achieved her career-best figures of 4 for 42 in the second match at the Basin Reserve.
New Zealand is set to play three ODIs and three T20Is against Sri Lanka next month, followed by three T20Is against Australia.
Chamari Athapaththu will exit the WPL early to participate in the tour, while Amelia Kerr will stay in India.