Former New Zealand captain Sophie Devine brought down the curtain on a 20-year international career following the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2026, sharing an emotional tribute on Instagram that reflected on the teammates, coaches, family, and fans who shaped her journey with the White Ferns. Devine, 35, retired alongside long-time teammates Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu after New Zealand's tournament exit.

A Farewell Shared With Two Great Mates

Devine described the manner of her exit — walking off the field for the final time beside Bates and Tahuhu — as a fitting send-off. 'Well…not too sure where the last twenty years have gone, but to walk off the park one final time, with my two great mates, is a pretty fitting farewell to the international game,' she wrote, sharing pictures with her teammates.

The triple retirement marks the end of one of the most celebrated eras in White Ferns history, with all three players having been central figures across multiple World Cup campaigns.

Gratitude to Coaches, Fans, and Support Staff

Devine acknowledged that her two-decade career was built on the contributions of far more people than she could individually name. 'Don't think I'll be able to thank all the people that have played a part in my journey, because otherwise I'll name half of NZ, but to the coaches, physios, trainers, officials, fans, and media, thank you. Thank you for supporting me, pushing me, and, most importantly, putting up with my shit,' she said.

The candid, self-deprecating tone was characteristic of Devine's public persona throughout her career — honest, warm, and unguarded.

What Representing the White Ferns Meant

Despite a career studded with individual milestones — including leading New Zealand to the 2024 Women's T20 World Cup title — Devine said representing her country alongside her teammates remained her deepest source of pride. 'To my White Fern teammates (there's probably about a hundred of ya!), you are the reason I played the game…to represent our beautiful Aotearoa on the world stage, side by side…there's nothing that filled me with more pride,' she wrote.

Family at the Centre of Her Final Moment

Devine reserved some of her most personal words for her family, who were present to witness her last walk off an international field. 'To have you watch me walk off the field for the last time is one of the most special moments of my career. You've seen it all. The good days. The bad days (there were a few), you have always had my back, and I've never forgotten that when I pulled on the Silver Fern,' she wrote.

A Māori Proverb to Close a Career

Devine concluded her message with a Māori proverb that she said captured how she viewed her achievements: 'Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini' — 'My success is not mine alone, but the strength of many.' The choice of proverb underlined a career defined less by personal glory than by collective purpose, and offered a graceful final word from one of New Zealand cricket's most enduring figures.