How did Mithali Raj honor Sophie Devine on her ODI retirement?
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Synopsis
In a touching tribute, Mithali Raj praised Sophie Devine for her exemplary career as she retired from ODIs. This article delves into the highlights of Devine's journey, her records, and the impact she's made on women's cricket. Discover the sentiments shared by Mithali and the challenges faced by the White Ferns in their recent tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Sophie Devine concluded her ODI career with remarkable statistics.
- Mithali Raj acknowledged her journey as a source of inspiration.
- The White Ferns faced challenges in their recent tournament.
- Devine emphasized the need for confidence within the team.
- Her legacy will inspire future generations of cricketers.
New Delhi, Oct 27 (NationPress) Former Indian captain Mithali Raj paid a poignant homage to New Zealand's captain Sophie Devine, who played her 159th and final ODI at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday. Mithali stated that Sophie has set a "standard for excellence and camaraderie" that will motivate future generations.
Sophie made her ODI debut in 2006 against Australia and concluded her career with 4,279 runs in this format, including nine centuries. Additionally, she took 111 wickets with her seam bowling. Sophie is notably the only player from New Zealand, and the third globally, to accomplish the dual feat of scoring over 4,000 runs and taking more than 100 wickets in ODIs.
"Your journey with the White Ferns has been an embodiment of hard work, resilience, and leadership. You’ve established a standard for excellence and camaraderie that will inspire generations ahead. Wishing you the best in your future endeavors," Mithali shared on X.
The 36-year-old's final ODI concluded in an eight-wicket defeat, marking a disappointing finale to the tournament for the White Ferns, who had won the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year but managed to secure victory only once during this competition.
In her emotional farewell, Devine scored 23 runs and took a wicket, receiving a guard of honor from both teams. Despite this tribute, she expressed her frustration over the recent weeks.
“It’s disappointing. I really wanted to exit on a high note, and the performance wasn’t there today. It’s not the way we intended our tournament to unfold, but there are more significant aspects in life, so we will move forward,” Sophie remarked post-match.
“It’s about confidence and belief. After our World Cup victory last year, we discussed that we are capable of being here, and when we showcase our best cricket, we can defeat any team globally. We just need to maintain that belief. I’m genuinely excited about the emerging talents within the group and the energy they bring; they have immense potential. It’s all about that confidence and recognizing that their best is sufficient,” she added.
Point of View
I recognize the significance of sports figures like Mithali Raj and Sophie Devine in shaping the future of women's cricket. Their dedication to the game and camaraderie inspires not only athletes but also fans around the globe. This tribute highlights the values of hard work and resilience that both players embody.
NationPress
29/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What records did Sophie Devine achieve in her ODI career?
Sophie Devine scored over 4,279 runs with nine centuries and took 111 wickets in her ODI career, making her the only New Zealand player and the third worldwide to achieve over 4,000 runs and 100 wickets.
How did Mithali Raj honor Sophie Devine?
Mithali Raj expressed her admiration for Sophie Devine's career, praising her for setting a standard of excellence and camaraderie that will inspire future generations.
What was the outcome of Sophie Devine's final ODI?
Sophie Devine's last ODI resulted in an eight-wicket loss for the White Ferns, marking a disappointing end to the tournament.
What challenges did the White Ferns face in the tournament?
Despite winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup last year, the White Ferns struggled, managing only one victory in the recent competition.
What did Sophie Devine say after her final match?
Sophie expressed her disappointment over the team's performance, stating she wished to exit on a high note and emphasized the importance of confidence and belief in their abilities.
