Bella James

Bella James is a promising New Zealand cricketer who has steadily risen through the domestic ranks to earn her place in the national side. A right-handed batter and wicket-keeper, she made her domestic debut for the Otago Sparks in 2014, competing in both the New Zealand Women’s One-Day Competition and the Super Smash (Domestic T20 tournament).

Over the years, Bella has established herself as a reliable presence in the Otago batting lineup, renowned for her consistency and ability to anchor innings. She has produced several match-winning performances in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield, including a memorable unbeaten century, which highlighted her temperament and shot selection under pressure.

One of her biggest supporters is her former school coach, Neil Rosenberg. According to the coach, Bella is the first recipient of Otago Cricket’s scholarship, which is designed to lure talented young players, both boys and girls, to stay close to home in the Dunedin area, allowing them to continue representing Otago.

The South Canterbury-born girl's consistent domestic form earned her a call-up to the White Ferns, particularly following the 332 runs in New Zealand’s domestic List-A competition during the 2024-25 season.

She made her ODI debut against Australia in December 2024. Just a few months later, in March 2025, she went on to make her T20 International debut, marking her arrival on the global stage.

In June 2025, Bella was awarded her maiden central contract by New Zealand Cricket, a significant milestone that underlines her potential and value to the team. Although a quadriceps injury briefly sidelined her during the Sri Lanka series, she remains a central figure in the White Ferns’ future plans. Therefore, she was selected for the World Cup in India in 2025.

According to the 1999-born cricketer, she grew up playing softball, soccer, and tennis. But when she met her idol, Suzie Bates, at her local school in Otago, she got introduced to cricket. In 2017, she became the recipient of the Secondary Schools Girls’ Young Cricketer of the Year.

Bella James is widely regarded as an aggressive top-order batter who can adapt her game to different formats. With her talent, determination, and hunger for success, she represents the next generation of New Zealand women’s cricket.

(As of October 2025)