New Zealand cricket legend Sophie Devine has announced her retirement from One Day Internationals (ODIs), marking the end of an illustrious 19-year career that redefined women’s cricket in her country and beyond. Devine’s farewell came after New Zealand’s final match of the ICC Women’s World Cup against England in Visakhapatnam, where she received a heartfelt guard of honour from teammates and opponents alike.
In an emotional post-match conversation with Isa Guha, Devine reflected on her journey, saying, “Sport teaches you a lot… We’re judged on results, but it’s so much bigger than that. Playing alongside my best mates in a country that’s given me so much, that’s more rewarding than anything else.” She urged young cricketers to cherish the game and remember their purpose, asking, “What’s your why? Why do you keep turning up?”, the Indian Express reported.
Devine’s “why” was always clear, to serve the White Ferns with unrelenting passion. On her final outing, she scored valuable runs and claimed the wicket of England captain Heather Knight, ending her ODI career with 4,279 runs and 111 wickets in 159 matches. She also finished as New Zealand’s top run-scorer in this World Cup, with 289 runs, including a century against Australia, as reported by the Indian Express.
Teammates and cricketing greats have hailed Devine as one of New Zealand’s finest. Fellow White Fern Amelia Kerr praised her influence, saying, “Soph downplays her impact, but she’s inspired generations of girls and boys. She’s creating a huge legacy of her own,” the Indian Express quoted.
Devine’s contribution to sport extends beyond cricket. A dual international, she also represented New Zealand in field hockey and has been a strong advocate for women’s cricket and mental health awareness. She has consistently pushed for better contracts and opportunities for women players and supported the concept of a women’s IPL long before it became a reality.
Her humility and compassion have made her beloved worldwide. During a Super Smash T20 match in 2021, when one of her sixes accidentally struck a young spectator, Devine stopped to comfort the child, later calling it “an opportunity to hopefully have another fan for life,” the Indian Express quoted.
Australian star Ellyse Perry, who played alongside Devine in the Women’s Premier League, described her as the epitome of selflessness: “That last shot on 99 sums her up, it’s not about milestones for Soph, it’s about the team,” as reported by the Indian Express.
As Sophie Devine steps away from ODIs, she leaves not just a record book of achievements but a trail of inspiration. Her legacy is one of fearless leadership, sportsmanship, and unwavering spirit, making her one of the most respected and admired figures in world cricket.