Indore, Oct 2 (NationPress) New Zealand captain Sophie Devine emphasized the positives despite her team's defeat to Australia in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup opener in Indore, commending the resilience and determination displayed by her squad during challenging moments.

New Zealand faced an 89-run defeat against Australia. The White Ferns fought back valiantly, showing remarkable spirit against the defending champions. Devine rose to the occasion with a sensational century, injecting life into New Zealand's chase in the latter stages of the innings.

“I’ll just say come and feel my shirt; you’ll see how tough that was,” Devine remarked, reflecting on her impressive century that ignited New Zealand’s pursuit. “I draw strength from the effort the girls have put in over the last six to twelve months.”

“It’s been for moments like this—it's the hard work that often goes unnoticed, but every member of this team has been dedicated, ensuring they are fit and ready to perform,” she added.

Although the White Ferns were chasing a daunting target, they displayed resilience throughout the 50-over match. While the outcome wasn't favorable, Devine emphasized that the approach was what mattered most.

“I’m pleased with the fight this team demonstrated. A few years ago, we might have given up early. It reflects the group’s mindset that we stayed in the fight. I’m incredibly proud, even though I felt a bit fatigued towards the end. Each of our players wants to contribute throughout the full 100 overs,” she stated.

Devine acknowledged her teammates' contributions, highlighting their commitment to their strengths. “The fight and resilience to stay focused rather than lose our wickets is something I’m truly proud of in this group. Players like Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, and Brooke Halliday showed tremendous character by sticking to their strengths and taking the game on,” she remarked.

Looking ahead, the New Zealand skipper reiterated that while results are significant, they are not the only benchmark for success. “Yes, winning is vital, but the way we played tonight makes me proud. I believe we can challenge the best teams in the world and reach the latter stages of the tournament if we maintain our performance over longer periods,” she explained.

With six pool matches remaining, the White Ferns are still vying for a top-four finish and a spot in the semi-finals. For Devine, the performance against Australia reaffirmed that New Zealand is ready to fight until the end.