After topping their pool, the New Zealand U21 team will meet Malawi in the quarterfinals of the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 being staged in Gibraltar at 11pm tonight (Thursday, NZ time).

The defending champions completed their fine-tuning in style with an emphatic 95-8 win over hosts Gibraltar ahead of their quarterfinals match-up against Malawi, who finished runners-up in Pool D.

As the hosts, Gibraltar gained automatic qualification for the tournament, their first appearance at the World Youth event, and faced a tough outing against the well-drilled New Zealanders.

It was a one-sided match with New Zealand, once again, using their pool play matches to give all team members court time while exploring playing combinations and depth with many getting opportunities in several positions.

Rested for the match, captain Amelia Walmsley was the only player not to take the court.

Following quarter scores of 22-0, 42-1, 69-4, the New Zealanders remained on task throughout and were particularly productive during the second half. Playing in their alternative strip of white, bordered with black panelling down the sides and a black fern on the front and back of the dresses, the New Zealanders strangled the inexperienced Gibraltar team across all facets.

Having won their first match by default when Zambia failed to arrive in Gibraltar followed by 74-47 and 80-20 wins over the Cook Islands and Malaysia, respectively, New Zealand had little trouble in topping Pool A. In the process, they have gained valuable time to test all players and find their feet in the heat of Gibraltar, while preparing for more challenging times ahead.

Showing their appreciation for the hosts and local crowd, the New Zealand team and management performed a haka following the match which drew a strong and positive response from those watching on.