Emma McLeod is a talented right-handed batter who has quickly made a name for herself in New Zealand cricket. She began her journey in domestic cricket playing for the Central Districts team and showed immense promise from a young age. Her big break came when she was selected for the New Zealand Under-19 squad ahead of the 2023 Under-19 T20 World Cup. During that tournament, she showed her aggressive style by scoring a brilliant 59 runs off just 39 balls against Rwanda. She made her List A debut in February 2023 and signed her first professional contract with the Central Hinds later that year.
Continuing her steady rise through the ranks she made her domestic T20 debut in early 2024. Her hard work and natural ability at the crease earned her the Women's Young Player of the Year award in April 2024. Recognised for her leadership qualities as well as her batting skills she was appointed as the captain of the Under 19 side for the 2024 and 2025 season. She was once again named in the national under-19 squad for the 2025 Under-19 T20 World Cup where she continued to build her reputation as a reliable top-order batter.
The year 2025 was a major milestone for McLeod as she transitioned to the senior national team. In February 2025, she earned her maiden call-up to the White Ferns for their series against Sri Lanka. She officially made her ODI debut in early March and followed it up with her T20 International debut a few days later. In her very first T20 International match she impressed everyone by scoring a composed 44 runs off 46 balls. By mid 2025, her consistent performances also earned her a spot in the New Zealand A squad for their matches against England A.
By 2026, McLeod had firmly established herself as a rising star in both domestic and international cricket. She had an incredible domestic season, winning the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield Player of the Year and the overall Player of the Year awards for Central Districts. During that season, she scored her maiden List A century with an unbeaten 139 and maintained a massive average of over 59. On the international stage, she played in ODI matches against Zimbabwe and South Africa at home in early 2026. Her excellent form was rewarded in April 2026 when she was selected for the senior New Zealand squad for their overseas ODI tour of England.
