New Zealand Names Four First-Time World Cup Picks for ODI World Cup in India & Sri Lanka

New Zealand has announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with four players earning maiden World Cup call-ups. Left-arm spinner Flora Devonshire, wicketkeeper-batter Polly Inglis, top-order batter Bella James, and left-arm seamer Bree Illing have been included in the squad for the first time.

The squad, led by veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine in what will be her final ODI assignment, was revealed in Auckland on Wednesday (September 10) by former World Cup-winning captain Emily Drumm.

All four newcomers have debuted for New Zealand in the past year and were part of the ‘A’ tour to England earlier in 2025. Devonshire was a standout performer in the Hallyburton Johnstone (HBJ) Shield, taking 18 wickets at an average of 17.5 and scoring 266 runs. Inglis, who will serve as a backup wicketkeeper, was among the leading run-getters in the competition and played a crucial knock of 86 in Otago Sparks' title-winning campaign.

Bree Illing impressed on debut against Sri Lanka and was the top wicket-taker in the 50-over leg of the England ‘A’ tour. Bella James, 26, also made her mark as New Zealand ‘A’s second-highest run-scorer on that tour, finishing just behind Georgia Plimmer.

Their inclusion has resulted in the omission of Fran Jonas, Lauren Down, Molly Penfold, and Hannah Rowe — all of whom featured during the home season.

Despite the injection of fresh talent, the White Ferns will be anchored by experience. Devine and Suzie Bates will both be appearing in their fifth World Cup campaigns, while senior pacer Lea Tahuhu heads into her fourth. Maddy Green and all-rounder Melie Kerr are also seasoned campaigners, both playing their third World Cup.

The White Ferns will play two warm-up matches in Bengaluru before kicking off their World Cup campaign against defending champions Australia in Indore on October 1.

New Zealand Women's ODI World Cup Squad:

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu