New Zealand women’s cricket captain and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s star player Sophie Devine has revealed that she will be retiring from One Day Internationals after the next 50-over World Cup later this year in India and Sri Lanka. Though she will retire from ODIs, the 35-year-old allrounder will still be available for T20 internationals, signing a flexible, informal playing contract with New Zealand Cricket.
End of an Era in ODIs
The declaration comes on the eve of New Zealand releasing its central contract list for the women’s side, where Devine won’t be included because of her move away from the longer white-ball. She will, nonetheless, stay on as skipper through the World Cup campaign before a new captain takes over for upcoming ODI matches, beginning with New Zealand’s home summer.
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A Legendary Career That Has Spanned Almost Two Decades
Devine’s ODI career started back in 2006 when she made her debut as a 17-year-old girl. Throughout the years, she has constructed an unbelievable legacy and is now one of the game’s best and most reliable allrounders. She is currently second on New Zealand’s all-time list for playing most ODI matches played behind Suzie Bates.
At the batting front, Devine is fourth in the list of New Zealand’s all-time highest ODI run-scorers but is likely to breach 4000 runs during the World Cup, if this happens then she will be third on the list, ahead of Debbie Hockley. Devine has eight centuries in ODIs which is also the second-most for New Zealand women after Bates.
With the ball too, she has been very successful, ranking second on New Zealand’s list of all-time wicket-takers in women’s ODIs. She is one of a mere two bowlers to have taken more than 100 wickets in the format, with her teammate Lea Tahuhu.
T20 and International Leagues Are Focal Point Now
While withdrawing from ODIs, Devine is not done with internationals. She has expressed her desire to keep playing for New Zealand in T20Is but, doing so on a casual contract, she will be able to manage international responsibilities alongside a number of franchise league affiliations across the globe.
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Sophie Devine On Her Retirement
Sophie Devine’s departure from ODIs represents the close of an illustrious era for New Zealand cricket, but her continued presence in the T20 scene means that her dynamic approach and leadership will continue to be seen by fans.
“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” Devine said. “I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the White Ferns.
“It’s important that everyone knows I’m focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away.
“I’m really excited by where this young group’s going and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months.”
