Devine Lauds New Zealand's Grit in Gruelling World Cup Opener Against Australia
Despite a heavy 89-run defeat to defending champions Australia, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine praised her team’s resilience and determination in what she described as one of the most physically and mentally demanding matches of her 19-year career.
Facing their trans-Tasman rivals in their opening game of the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, the White Ferns were up against a mountain of pressure: a record 15 consecutive ODI losses to Australia over eight years, sapping heat and humidity in Indore, and a daunting chase of 327 runs – their highest ever pursuit.
But Devine, who is set to retire after this tournament, led from the front with a valiant 111 – her ninth ODI century – after New Zealand were reduced to 0 for 2 early in the chase. She batted for more than two and a half hours after already bowling eight overs and fielding through Australia’s 50-over innings in taxing conditions.
“I’ll just say come and feel my shirt, I think you’ll see how tough that was,” Devine said, drenched in sweat as she addressed the post-match press. “This was probably the most demanding game I’ve played – physically and mentally – in my career.”
New Zealand's chase showed early signs of promise after Devine and the lower order staged a brief recovery. Her 69-ball half-century laid the foundation, and she shifted gears to bring up her century in just 38 more deliveries. Despite her efforts and a fighting 35-ball 54-run partnership with Isabella Gaze, the team fell well short, bowled out for 237 in the 45th over.
Gaze’s aggressive cameo – featuring six boundaries – gave a glimmer of hope, but once she and Devine fell within 13 balls of each other, the innings folded quickly.
Still, Devine chose to highlight the fighting spirit within the squad.
“A couple of years ago, we would have thrown the towel in pretty early,” she said at the presentation. “It shows the mindset of the group that we stay in the fight.”
Earlier in the day, New Zealand had sniffed an opportunity to topple the world champions when they reduced Australia to 128 for 5 in the 22nd over. But Ashleigh Gardner turned the tide with a blistering 115 off 83 balls, helping Australia post a daunting 326 – their highest ODI total against New Zealand.
Despite the setback, Devine remained upbeat about her team’s progress and potential.
“The fact that we got them in that position is really pleasing. It’s about learning how to capitalise and skittle them for 200-250 – that’s a very different game,” she reflected. “The resilience we’ve shown, coming from 0 for 2 and still pushing them, it’s something I’m really proud of.”
She also lauded the contributions of experienced players like Lea Tahuhu (3 for 42) and Amelia Kerr (2 for 54 and 33 runs), while stressing the importance of younger players stepping up as the tournament progresses.
“To win a World Cup, it’s going to take all 15 players,” Devine said. “At different stages, different people will have to step up. I’ve got full faith in this group – anyone can win a game for us.”
New Zealand will now have five days to regroup before their next game against South Africa on October 6, also in Indore. While the loss extended their winless streak against Australia, Devine remains confident in her team's ability to challenge the top sides and make a deep run in the tournament.
“We pushed the world champs hard. We got them nervous – and that doesn’t happen often,” she said. “If we can play good cricket for longer periods, I know we’ll be right there at the business end.”