Flora Devonshire Earns Surprise Call-Up in New Zealand’s ODI World Cup Squad

Flora Devonshire Earns Surprise Call-Up in New Zealand’s ODI World Cup Squad

Uncapped allrounder Flora Devonshire has been named in New Zealand’s 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner, who made her T20I debut earlier this year, earns a maiden ODI call-up, edging out fellow spinner Fran Jonas, a notable omission with 26 ODIs to her name.

The squad, announced today, includes three other players set for their first World Cup appearances: Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing, who collectively have only eight ODIs under their belt. Despite the limited international experience, head coach Ben Sawyer expressed confidence in the new selections.

“It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls,” Sawyer said. “Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favour 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.”

Devonshire impressed in the New Zealand A tour of England earlier this year, and Sawyer praised her for her dual abilities.

“Flora’s got an attacking mind and skillset with the bat, which is valuable down the order,” he said. “She and Bree have shown they can consistently bring the stumps into play, which will be effective in the conditions we’re going to face.”

Left-arm seamer Bree Illing, who debuted earlier this year against Sri Lanka, took four wickets in her maiden series, while Bella James made her ODI debut against Australia in late 2024. Wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis adds depth behind the stumps, providing back-up for Izzy Gaze.

“Polly gives us another option with the gloves and possesses great grit and determination — qualities that will be important in trying conditions,” Sawyer noted.

Veterans Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, and Lea Tahuhu form the experienced core of the side. Notably, Devine has confirmed this World Cup will mark her retirement from ODI cricket.

“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,” Sawyer added. “Having no international cricket since April has allowed us to work intensely on our physical skills, which could prove to be a difference-maker in India.”

New Zealand will depart for a pre-tournament camp in the UAE on September 13, which includes two warm-up matches against England, before heading to India. They begin their World Cup campaign on October 1 against arch-rivals Australia in Indore.

New Zealand Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:

  • Sophie Devine (captain)

  • Suzie Bates

  • Eden Carson

  • Flora Devonshire

  • Izzy Gaze

  • Maddy Green

  • Brooke Halliday

  • Bree Illing

  • Polly Inglis

  • Bella James

  • Jess Kerr

  • Amelia Kerr

  • Rosemary Mair

  • Georgia Plimmer

  • Lea Tahuhu