Bella James

Isabella Rose James, born on January 27, 1999, in Timaru, New Zealand, is a right-handed batter and wicketkeeper who plays for the New Zealand women's cricket team and Otago in domestic cricket. She began her cricket journey playing for Otago Sparks at a young age, developing under the guidance of prominent players like Suzie Bates and Katey Martin. Bella was the top scorer in the Secondary Schools Girls Finals, earning the Secondary Schools Girls’ Young Cricketer of the Year award and became the first female to receive the Otago Cricket Scholarship.

Bella made her List A debut in the 2014-15 New Zealand Women's One-Day Competition and her T20 debut shortly after. She scored her first List A century in the 2022-23 Hallyburton Johnstone Shield and followed it with an unbeaten 101 in the 2024–25 season. In December 2024, Bella earned her maiden national call-up and made her One Day International debut against Australia. Known for her solid technique and composure, Bella James is considered a promising wicketkeeper-batter for New Zealand, having shown resilience and consistent performances in domestic and international cricket.