As New Zealand gears up to face Sri Lanka in Colombo, batter Maddy Green addressed the media ahead of a crucial fixture in the Women’s World Cup 2025 that could determine the White Ferns’ campaign trajectory. Coming off a couple of defeats, the team will be looking for a strong comeback in new surroundings.
“The girls are going good. We’ve been enjoying our time together in India, and it’s nice to be in Colombo. We love coming to Sri Lanka, so we’re really excited to be here,” Green said.
New Zealand’s opponents, Sri Lanka, have been impressive in patches throughout the tournament, particularly in home conditions. Green was quick to acknowledge their strength and familiarity with local pitches.
“I think they’re a really dangerous side, particularly in their own conditions. We’ve experienced that before when we played Sri Lanka here in a bilateral series, so we know we need to play really well. It’s about playing their spinners effectively, I think we’ve seen in all the games so far, they have done a great job for the team. So, it’s about carrying that with the bat and then with the ball, we know they’ve got some dangerous players, particularly their captain, Chamari (Athapaththu). So, we’ve got to bowl well to her. She’s a big wicket for us,” she explained.
Green further highlighted Sri Lanka’s team balance, adding, “They’ve had contributions throughout their whole order, not just in this tournament but over the last few years. They’re a challenging side, and we know we need to play well particularly here in Colombo.”
Speaking about her skipper, Green was full of praise for Sophie Devine’s all-round brilliance and leadership.
“Sophie’s been an amazing player for us for such a long period of time. The all-round skill that she brings to the side, the balance to our side, having her bat in the top four and bowl ten overs, she’s been immense for us for such a long period of time. You look at her and World Cups, she’s massively stepped up in big tournaments, she really leads from the front. It’s no surprise to see her starting off so well. She’s played a couple of really mature innings in tough, hot conditions, battled through some tough times, she has been really impressive.”
Conditions in Colombo have proven tricky for many teams, with early wickets falling and slow surfaces testing adaptability. Green emphasized the importance of partnerships and strategic batting.
“It’s been an interesting tournament so far. We’ve seen a lot of wickets falling early, every ground pretty much, so it’s about building big partnerships up top. Sophie and Brooke did that really well for us against Bangladesh. That partnership was mature… Be really good through that overs 10 to 40 and set a platform to have a death phase,” she said.
Green also credited teammate Brooke Halliday for her consistency and growth as a batter. “I think Brooke’s really matured as a cricketer. She burst onto the scene a few years ago and continues to evolve her game, particularly against spin. She’s got so many options now which makes it really difficult to bowl at her, she’s got the power as well.”
Reflecting on her own role, Green highlighted the importance of contributing to the team then personal records.
“It’s more about how do I contribute in the different roles I’m required to do for the team. Sometimes you walk in and need to go from ball one; other times, it’s about steadying the ship. It’s about doing the job the team requires,” she explained. “The first couple of games didn’t quite nail that, but I feel like I’m hitting the ball really well and so feel confident where my game is at, it’s about making good decisions on the day.”
Green noted that adaptability will be vital, especially as conditions change from venue to venue. “I think each team adapting to the different conditions will be key. Those that can adapt quickly are going to be successful. If it’s a new wicket tomorrow, it’s about getting out there, playing what’s in front of us, and communicating that back to the team,” she said.
Green also had encouraging words for youngster Bree Illing, who made her debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year.
“Bree’s a great character in the group. She’s a young player who’s been successful pretty quickly. There’s a lot to like about her, bowls good pace, swings the ball, and adds variety to our attack. She is a really fast learner, she’s keen to get better and she’s always wanting to do extra work, whether it’s fielding or bowling. It’s great to have a young girl come into our team, fit in really well, and enjoy herself,” Green shared.
The New Zealand vice-captain has also been adding to her skillset, turning to bowling as an additional contribution.
“It’s about trying to stay relevant and teach an old dog new tricks,” Green laughed. “Spin’s playing a crucial role in this tournament, and for me and Suzie if we can bowl a few overs through the middle, it gives the team more balance… I’m enjoying it, it might just be a few overs here and there, but it’s good to have that option.”
As the White Ferns prepare to take on Sri Lanka, Green’s words reflect both the self-awareness and determination of a side eager to turn their campaign around. New Zealand faces Sri Lanka on October 14 in Colombo, with both teams eyeing crucial points to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
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