New Zealand have been dealt an early setback in their ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign as 22-year-old left-arm off-spin all-rounder Flora Devonshire has been ruled out of the tournament with a hand injury.
Devonshire, who earned her maiden World Cup call-up, sustained a laceration to her left hand while fielding during a training session in Indore. The injury, expected to take two to three weeks to heal, ended her dream of representing New Zealand on the sport’s biggest stage this year.
Her replacement, 29-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder Hannah Rowe, brings valuable experience to the squad. The right-arm seamer, set for her third World Cup, has 60 ODI caps under her belt and is known for her disciplined seam bowling and handy lower-order batting.
Rowe has taken 65 wickets in 57 innings at an average of 27.83 and an economy of 4.59, including two four-wicket hauls and a five-wicket haul. With the bat, she has accumulated 352 runs at a strike rate of 68.48 and an average of 12.57, with one half-century in 36 innings.
Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed his disappointment at losing Devonshire so early in the competition. “We’re all feeling for Flora,” Sawyer said. “She worked hard to earn her spot in this squad, and it’s a real shame her tournament is ending early.” Sawyer also noted the strengths Rowe brings to the team.
“We’re pleased to be able to call up a senior player in Hannah Rowe. Hannah’s obviously not a like-for-like replacement for Flora, but she offers an all-round skillset and has experience in sub-continent conditions.”
Devonshire’s exit comes after New Zealand’s tough start to the tournament, where Sophie Devine’s side fell to a heavy 89-run defeat against Alyssa Healy’s Australia in their opening match at the Holkar Stadium, Indore, on October 1. Rowe will join the squad in Indore on October 7 before travelling with the team to Guwahati.
Next up, the White Ferns will face a critical clash against South Africa on October 6 at 3 PM IST, again at the Holkar Cricket Stadium. A win would be essential to reignite their campaign after the early blow and initial setback.
(Quotes sourced from New Zealand Cricket Press Release)
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