New Zealand cricket icons Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine are set to make history at the 2025 Women`s ODI World Cup. Bates will become the first woman to play 350 international matches, while captain Devine will mark her 300th international appearance in the same crucial game against South Africa in Indore.
Bates` journey began with her ODI debut against India in 2006 at just 19 years old. A few months later, a 17-year-old Devine made her first appearance for the White Ferns during their tour of Australia. Before fully dedicating herself to cricket, Bates also excelled as an elite basketball player, even representing New Zealand at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, showcasing her exceptional athletic versatility.
Despite the immense personal significance of these dual milestones, Bates emphasized that their immediate focus remains firmly on the upcoming World Cup fixture against South Africa. This match is particularly vital for New Zealand after their opening defeat to Australia. “There`s probably a little bit of embarrassment from both of us,” Bates confessed during a pre-match press conference. “We just feel that when we celebrate these milestones, it`s just because we`re getting old. It`s a World Cup game, and we don`t want to get too carried away with that milestone.”
However, Bates looked forward to a special moment of reflection with Devine once the game concludes. “After the game, Sophie and I will sit and reminisce on how far we`ve come, not only as players together throughout this career, but as a team,” she shared, highlighting the substantial growth in New Zealand women`s cricket. She humorously added, “It`s something [in] ten years` time when we`re both not playing, we might have a cup of coffee and think how cool it was to do it in Indore in India.”
Devine commenced New Zealand`s World Cup campaign with a magnificent run-a-ball 112, her ninth ODI century. Despite this impressive performance, it wasn`t enough to stop the formidable Australian team. New Zealand`s assistant coach, Craig McMillan, praised Devine`s impact, stating, “Whenever Sophie Devine`s at the crease, the game is never over. She`s so powerful, can hit boundaries, and even though we were needing to go at nine or ten an over… for quite a while we were actually doing that, and she was the key to that. It was a class, a great way to start the tournament.”
Following the conclusion of this World Cup, Devine will retire from ODI cricket, though she will continue to be available for T20Is. Bates, having had a front-row seat to Devine`s remarkable ascent, offered a heartfelt tribute to her teammate`s enduring legacy. “You`re not ever going to be able to replace Sophie Devine,” Bates affirmed. “She`s changed the game through her power with the bat. I know every opposition fears the way she plays the game.”
Bates further extolled Devine`s all-round capabilities, noting her competitive spirit with the ball and her exceptional leadership as captain. “It`s just going to be impossible to replace her,” Bates stated. “I`m really glad that it`s just 50-over cricket that she`s talked about stepping away from. There`s plenty of 20-over cricket for her to contribute. There`s going to be no other Sophie Devine that New Zealand cricket will produce. It`s going to be hard to find an allrounder as explosive as her in world cricket.”
Update on Rosemary Mair`s Fitness
In other team news, seamer Rosemary Mair, who was sidelined for New Zealand`s opening match against Australia due to a side strain, is making steady progress in her recovery. Assistant coach Craig McMillan indicated that Mair is “getting close to full fitness” but suggested she is unlikely to be rushed back into action for the upcoming match against South Africa. “There`s still a little bit of work to do, so not sure how she`ll be for the next match, but she`s not far off, and she`s certainly progressed a lot over the last week, which is encouraging to see,” McMillan commented.
