New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has pinpointed co-hosts India and Sri Lanka, alongside the formidable defending champions Australia, as the toughest teams her squad will encounter in the upcoming 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, set to begin on September 30.
Having already secured the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, New Zealand is now targeting the 50-over trophy, a title they last won in 2000. Interestingly, this will be Sophie Devine’s final ODI World Cup appearance, as she previously announced her intention to retire from the format after the tournament.
Devine shared her insights in an ICC column, stating, "Every team will present a unique challenge, but we know Australia, as the defending champions, will be incredibly difficult to overcome. Starting the tournament against them will be an excellent test. India, playing on home soil, also poses a significant threat due to their passionate support and squad depth. Similarly, Sri Lanka has demonstrated their strength when competing at home. These three teams are undoubtedly going to be formidable adversaries."
Detailing her team’s readiness, Devine mentioned a crucial two-week training camp held in August at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) Academy in Chennai. This camp involved ten players, along with head coach Ben Sawyer and assistant coach Craig McMillan, providing invaluable preparation.
Addressing the vital aspect of acclimatization, Devine noted, "The team has been diligently focusing on strategies that will prove effective in the conditions expected in India and Sri Lanka. We were fortunate to have a camp in India, allowing some of our batters to gain firsthand experience in those environments, which I believe will be immensely beneficial." She added, "A primary focus for us has also been on our fitness, ensuring we can withstand the demanding conditions we’ll encounter. Despite training through the cold New Zealand winter, we’re confident that our strength and conditioning work will allow us to trust our skills when we compete overseas."
Devine expressed genuine enthusiasm for the blend of experienced veterans and fresh young talent within the squad, seeing it as a pivotal moment for the White Ferns’ evolution. "It’s still quite emotional to acknowledge, but with the emerging young talent in our squad, I can’t help but feel incredibly excited about our World Cup prospects," she remarked. "Everyone has been working exceptionally hard, which is wonderful to witness. Our younger players, such as Eden Carson and Izzy Gaze, have truly come into their own after a couple of years with the White Ferns, and I’m eager to see their contributions." She also highlighted key veterans: "Experienced players like Maddy Green have been outstanding, elevating her game significantly. Brooke Halliday is another crucial member, with her left-handed presence often creating challenges for the opposition. This tournament will truly showcase the new wave of talent in New Zealand as we strive to claim the title for the first time since 2000."
Devine concluded by stating that the New Zealand team is keen to fully embrace the vibrant cultural experiences of the subcontinent while maintaining a sharp focus on their performance during the World Cup. "India is always a unique and special place for cricket; the passion of the fans there is truly remarkable. Sri Lanka is another fantastic country to visit, incredibly vibrant, and we’ve thoroughly enjoyed our previous tours there," she explained. "We’re looking forward to travelling to different places, immerse ourselves in the diverse cultures both on and off the field, and truly enjoy the experience. However, we’re also fully aware that we’re there to compete, and our ultimate goal is to play excellent cricket and hopefully win over many new fans."