New Zealand have sprung a surprise in their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka, with 22-year-old allrounder Flora Devonshire earning her first call-up at the 50-over level. The left-arm spinner, who debuted in T20Is against Sri Lanka earlier this year, was preferred ahead of Fran Jonas, a regular with 26 ODIs to her name.
NZ coach on squad selection
Head coach Ben Sawyer admitted the decision was not easy. “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,” Sawyer said. Devonshire, who also toured England with New Zealand A earlier this year, strengthens the White Ferns’ spin stocks while offering attacking lower-order batting options.
Alongside her, Polly Inglis, Bella James and Bree Illing are also set for their first World Cup appearances. Illing, a left-arm seamer, made headlines with a four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka, while James and Inglis have shown promise in their limited international outings. Sawyer praised the newcomers, adding, “They’ve all earned this opportunity and I’m excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament. I’m really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we’ve got the right mix to tackle what we’ll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition.”
The squad retains its experienced core with captain Sophie Devine, who confirmed this will be her final ODI tournament, joined by long-serving stars Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr. Devine will play her fifth World Cup, while Bates equals that tally. Tahuhu heads into her fourth, with Green and Kerr set for their third appearances.
Sawyer also highlighted the squad’s preparation in recent months. “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,” he noted, pointing to the intensive training block since April. “Having no international cricket in our calendar has given us the ability to really sharpen our physical skills, which could be the difference in India.”
New Zealand squad for ICC Women’s World Cup
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
The White Ferns will begin their campaign against defending champions Australia on October 1 in Indore, after a preparatory camp in the UAE. They will face Team India in Navi Mumbai on October 23.
New Zealand schedule at ICC Women’s World Cup
| Date | Match | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, Wed | Australia Women vs New Zealand Women | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | 3:00 PM LOCAL |
| Oct 6, Mon | New Zealand Women vs South Africa Women | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | 3:00 PM LOCAL |
| Oct 10, Fri | New Zealand Women vs Bangladesh Women | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 3:00 PM LOCAL |
| Oct 14, Tue | Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 3:00 PM LOCAL |
| Oct 18, Sat | New Zealand Women vs Pakistan Women | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 3:00 PM LOCAL |
| Oct 23, Thu | India Women vs New Zealand Women | Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai | 3:00 PM LOCAL |
| Oct 26, Sun | England Women vs New Zealand Women | Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 11:00 AM LOCAL |
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