How Proud is Sophie Devine of Her Team’s Growth After Their World Cup Exit?
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Synopsis
New Zealand's captain Sophie Devine expressed deep emotions following her team’s exit from the Women's World Cup after a crucial match against India. Despite the loss, she celebrated the growth of emerging players and reflected on her time with the team as she prepares for retirement from ODIs.
Key Takeaways
- Sophie Devine's emotional farewell highlights her dedication to the team.
- The emergence of young players signals a bright future for New Zealand cricket.
- Facing a strong Indian side was a learning experience for the team.
- Devine's leadership has been pivotal in shaping the team's journey.
- Reflecting on losses is crucial for growth and improvement.
Navi Mumbai, Oct 24 (NationPress) New Zealand's captain Sophie Devine was filled with emotion after her team faced elimination from the Women's World Cup following a loss to India at DY Patil Stadium on Thursday.
Devine is set to retire from the ODI format this Sunday after New Zealand's final round-robin match against England in Visakhapatnam.
"I don't want to dwell on it too much because it might make me emotional," Devine shared during the post-match press conference. "However, the way those girls performed today… I am incredibly proud of the direction this team is taking. When you consider players like Izzy (Gaze), Brooke (Halliday), Melie Kerr, and Eden Carson, their development is remarkable. It certainly makes it easier for me to step away after the next game, rather than before it.
"It feels a bit like being a proud parent; having been part of this New Zealand cricket side for so long means I'm deeply invested. I'll experience a range of emotions over the next few days, but I'll take the time to reflect on everything."
New Zealand needed a victory against the host nation, India, but they fell short in both batting and bowling. After choosing to bowl first, they managed to restrict India's openers initially but soon lost their grip on the match. The DLS-adjusted target of 325 runs in 44 overs put them on the back foot early, and although Halliday and Gaze contributed valuable half-centuries, New Zealand couldn't keep pace with the required run rate.
"It's challenging. After any match, you can analyze every single ball," she remarked. "I thought we were excellent with the ball during the powerplay. It’s tough when you face a partnership exceeding 200 runs; that puts you under immense pressure. The Indian team was able to play freely and take control of the game, perhaps scoring a few too many runs."
"We discussed the importance of staying close to the required run rate. It’s difficult because it escalates quickly here. These are all learning experiences for us. It’s frustrating, gut-wrenching, and disappointing to lose any cricket match, especially when we still had a shot at reaching the semi-finals of this World Cup."
Point of View
It’s vital to acknowledge Sophie Devine's contributions and the promising future of New Zealand women's cricket. While the World Cup exit is disappointing, the emergence of new talent signals a bright horizon for the team. It’s crucial to support our athletes in both victory and defeat, fostering a culture of growth and resilience.
NationPress
24/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sophie Devine say about her team's growth?
Sophie Devine expressed immense pride in her team's growth, highlighting the development of young players like Izzy Gaze and Brooke Halliday.
What led to New Zealand's exit from the World Cup?
New Zealand's exit was a result of their loss to India, where they struggled to maintain their run rate and ultimately fell short of the target.
When is Sophie Devine retiring from ODIs?
Sophie Devine is set to retire from the ODI format after New Zealand's final round-robin game against England on Sunday.
How did New Zealand perform against India?
New Zealand started well but lost their grip on the game, failing to match the required run rate despite some strong individual performances.
What emotions did Sophie Devine express post-match?
Sophie Devine shared feelings of pride, frustration, and disappointment after the match, reflecting on her journey and the team's potential.
