New Zealand women's cricket team opened their white-ball series against Zimbabwe at Seddon Park on February 26 with a landmark debut, as 23-year-old Nensi Patel became the first Indian-born cricketer to represent the White Ferns.

Patel was presented with her White Ferns cap by teammate Brooke Halliday ahead of play, a ceremonial moment that formally marked her entry into international cricket.

Off-spinning all-rounder Patel was centrally contracted for the 2022-23 season but didn't get to play for White Ferns. She was Northern Brave's top run-scorer in the Super Smash this summer and second-equal wicket-taker.

On her debut, Patel returned disciplined figures of 4–0–20–0, maintaining control with the ball, though she was not required to bat in the series opener, as New Zealand won by 92 runs and now lead the three-match series 1–0.

On debut, the nerves showed early. “First (over) I had a bit of nerves but going into that second over I felt … it kind of just improved from there,” she said after the match.

She settled into her spell as the match progressed, contributing with the ball. Patel said she was unaware of the historical significance of her selection until afterwards. “I didn't really know that that was a fact of me becoming the first Indian or a new player to represent New Zealand,” she said.

Born in India before moving to New Zealand, Patel described the occasion as a proud moment for her family both in the stands and back home.

“It means a lot. They've supported me throughout this whole journey. Seeing them out in the crowd is a really special moment. Making them proud, making my family back in India proud as well. So I think it's a big moment.”

Her pathway from India to domestic cricket with Northern Brave and now to the international stage reflects the changing face of the national side. “It goes to show that if you're working hard on whatever you're doing and just keeping looking at it after things like that, it takes you to the big stage,” Patel said.

“It kind of shows the younger generation as well that if you work hard you can achieve your dreams as well and represent the country of whatever you're doing.”