New Zealand Unveil Squad For Women’s World Cup 2025, Sophie Devine To Lead

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has officially announced a balanced and ambitious 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, with veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine named as captain for one final hurrah. The announcement, made on September 10 in Auckland by former World Cup-winning captain Emily Drumm, sets the stage for an emotionally charged tournament, as Devine has confirmed this will be her last ODI campaign.

The mega event, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on October 1, with New Zealand taking on defending champions Australia in what promises to be a blockbuster opening clash at Holkar Stadium, Indore.

Four Debutants Earn Their World Cup Caps

Injecting fresh blood into the squad, the selectors have included four uncapped World Cup players: Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing. Their selections underscore NZC’s long-term vision and the fruitful returns from the New Zealand ‘A’ tour of England earlier this year.

1. Flora Devonshire

Role: Left-arm spinner & middle-order batter
Domestic Highlight: Claimed 18 wickets at 17.5 in the HBJ Shield
Batting Prowess: 266 runs with several match-saving knocks

Devonshire’s dual abilities with bat and ball add depth to New Zealand’s spin options, especially vital in subcontinental conditions.

2. Polly Inglis

Role: Top-order batter & backup wicketkeeper
Match-Winner: Played a title-clinching knock of 86 for Otago Sparks
Consistency: Among top scorers in HBJ Shield

Inglis’ presence not only adds batting firepower but also ensures depth in the wicketkeeping department alongside Izzy Gaze.

3. Bree Illing

Role: Left-arm pace bowler
International Debut: Impressive 4-wicket haul vs Sri Lanka
England ‘A’ Tour: Top wicket-taker in 50-over format

Her ability to swing the new ball and strike early will be crucial on slower pitches.

4. Bella James

Role: Middle-order batter
Domestic Stalwart: One of the most consistent run-scorers
England ‘A’ Tour: Second-highest run-scorer behind Georgia Plimmer

At 26, James brings maturity and calmness to the middle order, a valuable asset in pressure situations.

Experienced Core to Anchor the Campaign

While the inclusion of new faces has injected excitement, the backbone of the White Ferns continues to be its seasoned campaigners:

Sophie Devine: Leadership, power-hitting, and medium pace
Suzie Bates: Veteran batter playing her fifth World Cup
Lea Tahuhu: Speedster and experienced tournament campaigner
Amelia Kerr: World-class all-rounder with leg-spin and top-order runs
Maddy Green: Key middle-order anchor

Devine and Bates leading the charge for a fifth consecutive World Cup appearance reflects longevity and resilience at the highest level. Tahuhu’s return for her fourth World Cup lends the bowling attack much-needed firepower and control.

Notable Omissions Spark Conversations

Despite being in contention throughout the home summer, the following players didn’t make the cut:

Fran Jonas: Promising left-arm spinner
Lauren Down: Solid top-order batter
Molly Penfold: Quick but inconsistent
Hannah Rowe: All-rounder with potential but lacking recent form

These exclusions signal NZC’s bold pivot towards a mix of form, potential, and adaptability for subcontinental conditions.

Preparation in Subcontinent: Warm-Ups in Bengaluru

Ahead of their campaign opener, the White Ferns will play two warm-up matches in Bengaluru, a strategic decision allowing the squad to adjust to heat, humidity, and slower wickets. This acclimatization could prove pivotal in executing their strategies effectively throughout the tournament.

Devine’s Swan Song: A Campaign Steeped in Emotion

As Sophie Devine prepares for her final ODI assignment, her leadership takes on added significance. The team will undoubtedly rally around her to provide a fitting send-off. Devine’s contribution to New Zealand cricket spans over a decade, with match-winning knocks, crucial spells, and a fearless approach that inspired a generation.

Her retirement also marks a generational transition, with players like Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer now expected to step into leadership roles in the near future.

Complete Squad: New Zealand for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

Sophie Devine (c)
Suzie Bates
Eden Carson
Flora Devonshire
Izzy Gaze (wk)
Maddy Green
Brooke Halliday
Bree Illing
Polly Inglis (wk)
Bella James
Jess Kerr
Amelia Kerr
Rosemary Mair
Georgia Plimmer
Lea Tahuhu

Outlook for the Tournament

Placed in a tough group and facing defending champions Australia first, New Zealand’s challenge will be steep but not insurmountable. Their balanced squad, with the right blend of youth and experience, gives them a real shot at the semi-finals.

Key Focus Areas:

Middle-order stability
Spin effectiveness in Indian and Sri Lankan conditions
Fitness management of key players like Devine and Tahuhu
Quick acclimatization through warm-up matches

The 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup could be the dawn of a new era for New Zealand women’s cricket. With four debutants ready to prove their mettle and veterans looking for one final shot at glory, the White Ferns go into the tournament with renewed hope and purpose. For Sophie Devine, it’s a farewell tour filled with legacy and leadership. For the team, it’s a chance to script a fresh chapter in New Zealand’s World Cup history.

Can this mix of experience and youthful exuberance deliver the elusive title? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the White Ferns are ready to fight, inspire, and dream big on the world stage.

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