Anna Peterson

It was in 2017, five years after she made her ODI debut against England at Lincoln, that Peterson's name truly entered the nation's cricketing consciousness

The Cricketer | 26/01/2020 at 18:26

Born: September 12, 1990

Role: Right-hand bat, offbreaks

With her father as her first coach, Anna Peterson began playing cricket as a five-year-old, representing Takapuna Red Stars – an Auckland-based side.

It was in 2017, five years after she made her ODI debut against England at Lincoln, that Peterson’s name truly entered the nation’s cricketing consciousness.

With one over of a T20I between New Zealand and Australia to go, the off-spinner was thrown the ball for the first time in the match at Geelong.

The home side needed 11 runs to win. Cue chaos.

First, Peterson dismissed Jess Jonassen as she looked to heave over the top.

Next ball, Alyssa Healy followed in similar circumstances. And then, the hat-trick. Megan Schutt slog-swept to Suzie Bates.

The over cost just two runs and Peterson was the unlikely hero.

A year later, she did it again. West Indies needed just five runs going into the final over of a T20I, with six wickets in hand.

There were three wickets in the over – two to Peterson and a runout off the penultimate delivery.

New Zealand won by a single run, aided by their steely-nerved spinner.

NEW ZEALAND PLAYER PROFILES

Sophie Devine

Suzie Bates

Lauren Down