With just days to go before the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 kicks off in India and Sri Lanka, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine has thrown her weight behind the next generation of White Ferns.
The 36-year-old stalwart, who steered New Zealand to their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup triumph last year, believes that youthful energy coupled with veteran experience can help her side end a 25-year wait for another ODI crown.
Reflecting on her squad’s composition, Devine emphasised the importance of the young players, the likes of Amelia Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, just to name a few, who have gradually become integral to the team’s fabric.
“It’s still quite an emotional thing to admit, but with the young talent coming up through our squad right now, I can’t help but feel excited about our World Cup squad,” she wrote in a column for the ICC. “It’s evident that this tournament will show the new blood on show in New Zealand as we look to clinch the title for the first time since 2000.”
Since that historic 2000 triumph under Emily Drumm, New Zealand had endured a long drought in ICC tournaments until last year’s dramatic T20 World Cup win, beating South Africa in the grand finale in the UAE. That success was built on a fine balance of seasoned names and fearless newcomers, and Devine is optimistic about replicating that formula on the ODI stage.
She singled out spinner Eden Carson and wicketkeeper Izzy Gaze as players ready to make a telling impact after steadily growing into international roles. “The likes of our younger ones, Eden Carson and Izzy Gaze, they’ve really stepped into their own, having been involved with the White Ferns for a couple of years now. I’m excited to see what they will bring to the tournament.”
While excited about her younger teammates, Devine knows the value of seniority in crunch moments. The White Ferns skipper praised batting mainstays who continue to be pillars in the side. “The older heads like Maddy Green, she’s been excellent and really taken her game to the next level. Brooke Halliday is another really important part of our team.”
This leadership blend, with Devine at the helm, will be vital if New Zealand aim to topple giants such as defending champions Australia, tournament hosts India, and subcontinental challengers Sri Lanka.
The White Ferns begin their campaign in stern fashion, clashing with powerhouse rivals Australia on 1 October at Holkar Stadium, Indore, in what will be the second game of the tournament. Far from wary of the challenge, Devine welcomed the chance to face the benchmark team immediately.
“Every team will possess a different challenge, but we know the defending champions, Australia, are going to be pretty tough to beat. Playing them first up will be a great start to the tournament.”
Devine also identified India and Sri Lanka as major threats on home soil. “India at home are also a huge threat, in terms of the support that they have and the depth of their group, and Sri Lanka as well, we’ve seen that playing at home is a real strength for them. Those three teams are certainly going to be difficult to come up against.”
Ahead of the main event, New Zealand will fine-tune their preparations with two warm-ups: against India ‘A’ on 25 September and a full-strength Indian side on 27 September.
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 will run from 30 September to 2 November, split between India and Sri Lanka, with eight teams – India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan – vying for the title. For Devine and her White Ferns, it is not just about chasing silverware but about ushering in a new chapter powered by the blend of fresh talent and seasoned campaigners who are eager to write history.
(Quotes sourced from ICC Press Release)
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