New Zealand name squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Sophie Devine to lead

New Zealand will play India in their first game of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

The 15-member New Zealand team for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has been revealed; it combines youthful promise with extensive experience.

Sophie Devine, the captain, had previously said that this would be her final appearance in the format; hence, the tournament represents the last chapter of her ODI career.

Following impressive recent achievements at the national and international levels, four players—Florian Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing—are getting ready to make their World Cup debuts.

Head coach Ben Sawyer stated, “They’ve all earned this opportunity, and I’m excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament. I’m really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we’ve got the right mix to tackle what we’ll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition.”

Longtime stars Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green, and Amelia Kerr join the team’s seasoned core, which includes skipper Sophie Devine, who stated that this will be her final ODI tournament. Bates will participate in her fifth World Cup, while Devine will compete in her fifth.

Green and Kerr are scheduled to make their third appearances, while Tahuhu enters her fourth.

“Not easy”—Head coach Ben Sawyer on leaving Fran Jonas out

22-year-old all-rounder Flora Devonshire was chosen over the experienced Fran Jonas, a regular with 26 ODIs to her name. Head coach Ben Sawyer admitted the decision was not easy.

“Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favor of Flora was a tough decision. We know Fran is a quality player, and at 21, we believe she still has her best years in front of her,” Sawyer said

Sawyer also highlighted the squad’s preparation in recent months.

“I can honestly say that in the four world events I’ve been part of with this group, we are the best prepared we’ve ever been. Having no international cricket in our calendar has given us the ability to really sharpen our physical skills, which could be the difference in India,” the coach concluded.

Following a training camp in the United Arab Emirates, the White Ferns will play their first match of the season against reigning champions Australia in Indore on October 1. On October 23, they will play Team India in Navi Mumbai.

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

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

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