Katie Perkins started playing cricket at a very young age. Her maternal grandfather would practice with her, while she played with her cousins in the backyard. One of Perkins' uncles represented Auckland in a handful of matches.

A right-hand middle-order who had a breakthrough 2011-12 season for her domestic side - Auckland Hearts. Perkins played a vital part in Hearts winning the national One-Day competition. She's been part of successful side that has won a lot of trophies, including the 2013/14 Twenty20 title.

However, it was the 2011-12 season that got Perkins the recognition and the call-up to the national side. She impressed everyone in her first knock itself, a 31 in a T20 game versus Australia. A successful tour against the arch-rivals ensured that she cemented her place in the White Ferns side.

Perkins was part of the 2013 World Cup squad, where New Zealand finished fourth. She was a rookie then and will look forward to the upcoming 2017 World Cup to leave her mark.

Interesting facts: Like many women cricketers, Perkins also has a day job. She graduated as a police constable from the Royal New Zealand Police College and currently works as a Police officer in Counties Manukau.