Hayley Nicole Kayla Jensen is a prominent New Zealand cricketer, born on October 7, 1992, in Christchurch, Canterbury. Renowned for her all-round abilities, Jensen has made a significant impact in both international and domestic cricket, representing New Zealand and various teams in Australia’s Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
Career Highlights
International Debut and Role
- Jensen first played for the New Zealand women’s team (the White Ferns) in the 2013/14 season and re-emerged as a regular member of the T20 squad from 2018 onward.
- She is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pace bowler, known for her ability to bowl in the middle and at the death overs, and for her aggressive lower-order batting.
Major Tournaments and Achievements
- Starred in the 2020 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, finishing as New Zealand’s leading wicket-taker with seven wickets in four matches, including a match-winning 3-16 against Sri Lanka.
- Played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s bronze medal win at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, taking 3-24 in the decisive match against England.
- Regularly selected for major international tournaments, including the 2018 ICC Women’s World T20 and the 2022 Women’s Cricket World Cup
Domestic and Franchise Career
- Domestically, Jensen has played for the Otago Sparks and Canterbury Magicians in New Zealand, and for several WBBL teams in Australia: Melbourne Renegades, Melbourne Stars, Perth Scorchers, Hobart Hurricanes, and ACT Meteor.
- In 2022, she joined the Trinbago Knight Riders for the inaugural Women’s Caribbean Premier League.
- Jensen’s best ODI bowling figures are 4/31 against Australia in 2021, demonstrating her knack for delivering in high-pressure games.
- She has consistently contributed with both bat and ball, often taking on key roles in crunch situations.
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Personal Life and Unique Aspects
- Jensen resides in Australia and, in April 2019, married Australian cricketer Nicola Hancock, making her one of the openly LGBTQ athletes in international cricket.
- She was briefly suspended for six months in 2016 by Cricket Australia due to a minor betting breach, but rebounded to earn a central contract with New Zealand Cricket in 2018, underlining her resilience and professionalism.
Distinctive Impact
Hayley Jensen stands out not just for her all-round cricketing skills, but also as a trailblazer for LGBTQ representation in sport and as a role model for aspiring cricketers in New Zealand and beyond. Her journey—from overcoming setbacks to starring in global tournaments—reflects her determination and the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket.
Who is Hayley Jensen’s Boyfriend?
Hayley Jensen’s boyfriend is Nicola Hancock. They are both women cricketers—Hayley Jensen is from New Zealand and Nicola Hancock is from Australia. The couple tied the knot in April 2019 after being long-time partners. They have publicly shared their wedding photos and expressed gratitude to friends and family who attended their special day.
Hayley Jensen is either a celebrated New Zealand cricketer who retired in 2025 after a distinguished international career, or an award-winning Australian country music artist known for her chart-topping albums and television appearances.
