Southlander named in NZ U19 World Cup squad
For Louisa Kotkamp it will be her second trip to a World Cup after she featured in New Zealand’s semi-final at the inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.
Southland’s Louisa Kotkamp is heading to Malaysia for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Kotkamp - who started her cricketing journey in Gore - was on Wednesday named in the New Zealand team to compete at the U19 tournament which will start on January 18.
New Zealand will play two warm-up fixtures against USA and West Indies on January 13 and 15 respectively, followed by three matches against its Pool C opponents, South Africa, Nigeria and Samoa.
For Kotkamp it will be her second trip to a World Cup after she featured in New Zealand’s semi-final at the inaugural Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023.
Her trip to the 2025 World Cup continues Kotkamp’s impressive cricketing progression.
The 19-year-old is currently contracted to the Southern Sparks in New Zealand’s premier domestic competition.
She comes from a cricketing family with her father Ronnie Kotkamp playing Hawke Cup cricket for both Southland and Otago Country.
Kotkamp is one of 11 domestically contracted players has been named for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia.
Enter your email address to get each Southland Tribune edition sent to your inbox.
The product of a new two-year pathway programme, the squad has been selected on the back of increased development opportunities, including winter training camps, a Tri-Series in Australia, and the inaugural ‘Bates v Devine’ T20 tournament in 2024.
NZC High Performance coach Sara McGlashan said it was an exciting time for all those selected.
“Representing New Zealand is a massive moment in any career, and World Cups are rare opportunities to showcase your skills on the global stage,” McGlashan said.
“This squad brings a mix of skill, athleticism, and a hunger to learn, making it a group full of potential for future success.”
McGlashan said the success of the pathway programme was evident.
“I’m really pleased with how successful the programme has been in terms of player development - the results were evident in players’ improved ability during the National U19 Tournament.
“The opportunity to have contact with players during winter camps ensured there was constant development, even in the off-season.”
McGlashan acknowledged the depth of talent coming through the pathway system.
“This age group is full of exciting talent, with many players already having valuable domestic experience.
“The standard of the National U19 Tournament improves every year, which is a testament to the talent pool and the efforts of the pathway programme within the Major Associations.”
McGlashan will lead the coaching unit, supported by Wellington Blaze assistant coach Luke Woodcock, and Auckland Hearts assistant coach Matt Blandford.
Players must be born after the first of September 2005 to be eligible to compete in the 2025 tournament.
Following the New Zealand team’s pre-departure camp in Wellington, the squad will assemble in Auckland on January 10 before departing for Malaysia the following day.
New Zealand will play two warm-up fixtures against USA and West Indies on January 13 and 15 respectively, followed by three matches against its Pool C opponents, South Africa, Nigeria and Samoa.
Matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sport, and live scored at nzc.nz and the NZC App.
NZ Under-19 Squad
Tash Wakelin* (C) Northern Districts
Elizabeth Buchanan* Auckland Cricket
Kate Chandler* Cricket Wellington
Sophie Court* Auckland Cricket
Hannah Francis* Cricket Wellington
Kate Irwin* Auckland Cricket
Rishika Jaswal* Auckland Cricket
Louisa Kotkamp* Otago Cricket
Ayaan Lambat Auckland Cricket
Emma McLeod* Central Districts
Hannah O’Connor Otago Cricket
Darcy-Rose Prasad Canterbury Cricket
Anika Tauwhare Auckland Cricket
Anika Todd* Auckland Cricket
Eve Wolland* Northern Districts
* On domestic contracts
New Zealand Schedule
Warm-up Matches (Not broadcast)
Monday 13 January – 3.30pm NZT v USA
Wednesday 15 January – 3.30pm NZT v West Indies
Group C Matches
Saturday 18 January - 7.30pm NZT v South Africa
Monday 20 January – 3.30pm NZT v Nigeria
Wednesday 22 January – 3.30pm NZT v Samoa