'Will probably get quite emotional': Sophie Devine on WODI retirement
What's the story
New Zealand's captain Sophie Devine expressed her disappointment after her team's early exit from the ICC Women's World Cup. The emotional press conference came in stark contrast to her demeanor before the match. Devine, who is set to retire from Women's ODIs on Sunday, reflected on New Zealand's loss to India and spoke about pride in the younger players coming through. Here are further details.
Emotional reflection
Devine proud of younger players
Devine said, "I don't really want to think too much about it because I probably get quite emotional around it." She was proud of her team's performance, especially the younger players like Izzy Gaze and Brooke Halliday. "When you think about the likes of Izzy [Gaze], Brooke [Halliday], Melie Kerr, Eden Carson...it certainly makes it easier when I do step away after the next game," she added.
Match analysis
New Zealand's World Cup campaign
New Zealand's must-win game against hosts India ended in disappointment as they faltered in both innings. Despite Halliday and Gaze scoring half-centuries, they couldn't keep up with the asking rate of a DLS-adjusted target of 325 runs in 44 overs. Devine said, "It's always hard when you get a partnership of 200 plus, you're going to be under pressure."
Leadership insights
Devine on mental challenges of leadership
Devine, who has been a leader for New Zealand, also spoke about the mental challenges of leadership. She said, "I think the really important thing for me is to be authentic... I think sometimes people forget that we're human beings and that we do have emotions." Despite her disappointment at losing this game, Devine remained proud of what her team had achieved.
Tactical choice
Defending her decision to bowl 1st
Defending her decision to bowl first on a hot day in Navi Mumbai, Devine said it was made with rain and a potential DLS scenario in mind. "In cricket with Duckworth-Lewis you want to bat second so you know what you're chasing," she explained. Despite their early defeats and weather disruptions, Devine remained hopeful for her team's final league game against England on Sunday.
WODI stats
Nine tons and 17 fifties in WODIs
Having played 158 WODIs, Devine currently owns 4,256 runs from 143 innings at 32.73. In addition to 18 fifties, she has 9 tons. The 36-year-old is only behind Suzie Bates (5,926) and Amy Satterthwaite (4,639) in terms of WODI runs for the White Ferns. Overall, she is currently the 15th-highest run-getter in the format. In the ongoing WC, she has scored 266 runs at 66.50 (50s: 2, 100: 1).