New Zealand's T20 World-Cup-winning captain Sophie Devine announces retirement from ODIs, to bid goodbye after World Cup 2025

New Zealand's ODI captain Sophie Devine has announced her retirement from the format. She will bid goodbye to the format after the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka. As a result, Devine has opted for a casual playing agreement with New Zealand Cricket (NZC).

Devine took over as White Ferns' permanent captain in 2020. Since then, the team won a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2022. Then, she led New Zealand to T20 World Cup title with a 32-run win over New Zealand in Dubai last year.

“It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away,” said Devine in her official statement released by the board.

“I feel very fortunate to have NZC’s support in finding a solution that means I can still give to the WHITE FERNS.

“It’s important that everyone knows I’m focused and dedicated to giving this group everything I can before I step away.

“I’m really excited by where this young group’s going and I’m looking forward to playing my part in the next six to nine months.”

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NZC Head of Women's High Performance, Liz Green supported Devine for opting for a casual playing contract. She hailed the captain for her promise to remain involved with the team.

“Sophie’s given nearly 20 years of service to the WHITE FERNS and NZC is fully supportive of her quest to find more balance at this stage in her career,” said Green.

“We’re pleased to be able to reach an agreement that means she can continue to be involved with the WHITE FERNS on a case-by-case basis, whilst opening up the opportunity for another player to be contracted in full.”

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New Zealand will start their ODI World Cup 2025 campaign against defending champions Australia on October 1.

Devine's ODI record

Meanwhile, Devine is 10 runs away from milestone of 4,000 runs in ODIs. She will become the fourth New Zealand batter to achieve this feat in women ODIs. Currently, she has 3,990 runs at an average of 31.66 from 152 games. She has eight centuries and 16 fifties to her name. She is also New Zealand's second-highest wicket-taker in ODIs. She has 107 wickets at an average of 35.75.