Dspite the men’s team falling short of a title again and again, New Zealand women’s cricket has lifted spirits by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup. Now, captain Sophie Devine has announced she will step away from One Day Internationals (ODIs) after the upcoming Women’s World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.
Key Details
• Retirement Format: One Day Internationals (ODIs)
• Effective After: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka
• Age: 35 years old
• Captaincy: Will lead the White Ferns through the World Cup, then hand over ODI captain duties
Sophie Devine’s Career at a Glance
• ODI Matches: 152
• Rus Scored: 3,990 (on track to pass 4,000 soon)
• ODI Centuries: 8 (second most in the team after Suzie Bates)
• Wickets Taken: 107 (second only to Lea Tahuhu in Kiwi women’s ODI cricket)
• Debut: 2006, at age 19
• Years Played: 19 years of international cricket
Why She’s Retiring from ODIs
Sophie says she wants to give her best to the team right up until the end of the World Cup. She feels now is the right time to step back from the 50‑over game while she still has plenty to offer.
“I feel this is the right time to step away. I’m lucky to have full support from NZC. I want to give everything I have left to the team before I go.”
Plans for T20 Cricket
Devine has said she may continue playing T20 cricket if she is given the freedom to choose which matches she plays. She still receives offers from franchise leagues around the world and would like to focus on those in the final years of her career.
What’s Next for New Zealand
• New Captain Search: NZC will soon name Devine’s successor for ODI captaincy.
• Future Tours: The White Ferns start their next series against Australia on October 1, 2025.
