WELLINGTON — New Zealand cricket captain Sophie Devine has announced her retirement from One Day International (ODI) cricket following the upcoming 50-over World Cup, marking the end of an illustrious career spanning over a decade. The 34-year-old all-rounder, renowned for her explosive batting and disciplined bowling, will continue to lead the White Ferns in T20Is while stepping away from the 50-over format.
Devine, who made her ODI debut in 2006 as a 16-year-old, has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s women’s cricket team, amassing over 4,000 runs and taking 100 wickets in the format. Her decision comes after careful consideration, with Devine emphasizing her desire to focus on T20 cricket and mentor the next generation of players. "It’s been an incredible journey, but the time feels right to step aside and let the younger players take the reins in ODIs," she said in a press conference.
A Stellar Career
Devine’s ODI career has been defined by consistency, leadership, and match-winning performances. She holds the record for the fastest century in women’s ODIs (off 57 balls) and is one of only a handful of players to achieve the double of 4,000 runs and 100 wickets. Her leadership since taking over as captain in 2019 has been instrumental in revitalizing New Zealand’s women’s cricket program.
Key highlights of her ODI career include:
- Scoring 1,000+ runs in three consecutive calendar years (2018-2020)
- Leading New Zealand to the 2022 ODI World Cup final
- Winning the ICC Women’s ODI Player of the Year in 2020
The Road Ahead
Devine’s final ODI assignment will be the 2025 Women’s World Cup, hosted in India. The tournament holds special significance, as it was where she made her World Cup debut nearly two decades ago. "It feels poetic to bow out where it all began," she reflected. New Zealand Cricket CEO Scott Weenink praised Devine’s contributions, stating, "Sophie’s legacy is not just in her stats but in the culture she’s built within this team."
Focus on T20s and Franchise Cricket
While retiring from ODIs, Devine will remain active in T20Is and franchise leagues, including the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and The Hundred. Her aggressive batting and tactical acumen make her a sought-after player in the shortest format. "I still have a lot to give in T20 cricket, and I’m excited for what’s next," she added.
Teammates and Rivals React
Tributes poured in from across the cricketing world. Australian captain Meg Lanning called Devine "one of the most respected opponents and a true ambassador for the game." Fellow White Ferns star Amelia Kerr highlighted Devine’s mentorship: "She’s been a guiding light for so many of us younger players."
Devine’s retirement marks the end of an era for New Zealand cricket, but her influence will endure. As she prepares for her final ODI campaign, fans and analysts alike are reflecting on her impact:
- Pioneering a fearless batting approach in women’s cricket
- Elevating New Zealand’s competitiveness on the global stage
- Inspiring a generation of young cricketers
Conclusion
Sophie Devine’s ODI retirement closes a chapter filled with milestones, leadership, and unforgettable performances. While her presence in the 50-over format will be missed, her legacy as a trailblazer for New Zealand and women’s cricket remains indelible. As she gears up for her final World Cup, the cricketing world will be watching—one last time—as Devine takes the field in the colors she’s represented with such distinction.
"I’m grateful for every moment," Devine said, fighting back tears. "This team, these fans—they’ve given me everything. Now it’s about finishing strong and helping the White Ferns lift that trophy one more time."