The White Ferns have announced their 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, set to be played in India and Sri Lanka from October 1. Veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine will lead New Zealand in what will be her final ODI appearance, adding extra significance to the campaign.
The announcement was made in Auckland by former World Cup-winning captain Emily Drumm, with the squad featuring a blend of experienced campaigners and exciting new talents.
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New Zealand have included four first-time World Cup players – Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing – who impressed in domestic cricket and on the New Zealand ‘A’ tour of England earlier this year.
- Flora Devonshire – The 22-year-old left-arm spinner had a standout domestic season, taking 18 wickets at an average of 17.5 and scoring 266 runs in the Halliburton Johnstone Shield.
- Polly Inglis – Selected as the backup wicketkeeper, Inglis was one of the top run-getters in the domestic circuit and played a match-winning knock of 86 in Otago Sparks’ title run.
- Bree Illing – The left-arm seamer made an instant impression, taking four wickets on debut against Sri Lanka and topping the wickets tally on the England ‘A’ tour.
- Bella James – At 26, James is a consistent performer in the domestic scene, finishing as New Zealand ‘A’s second-highest run-scorer in England, just behind Georgia Plimmer.
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Despite the introduction of fresh faces, New Zealand will rely on its experienced core to anchor the campaign:
- Sophie Devine & Suzie Bates – Both legends will feature in their fifth ODI World Cup, a rare feat in women’s cricket.
- Lea Tahuhu – The veteran pacer will play her fourth World Cup.
- Amelia Kerr & Maddy Green – Key all-rounders heading into their third World Cups, expected to play crucial roles in the middle order.
Coach Ben Sawyer praised the balance of the squad, saying, “We’ve got the right mix of youth and experience to challenge the best teams in the world. These four debutants have earned their spots, and I’m excited to see their impact.”
The White Ferns will play two warm-up matches in Bengaluru before starting their World Cup campaign against Australia in Indore on October 1. With Devine set to bid farewell to ODIs, the squad will be motivated to deliver a memorable campaign for their inspirational captain.
New Zealand Squad for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
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
