New Zealand on September 10 announced their 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in India and Sri Lanka. 22-year-old all-rounder Flora Devonshire has received her maiden ODI call-up after impressing in her debut T20I series at home against Sri Lanka.
Left-arm spinner Fran Jonas made way for Devonshire. Jonas has played 26 ODIs and 39 T20Is. However, her record is not impressive 20 wickets in ODIs at an average of 42.55.
"It's never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls," head coach Ben Sawyer said.
"Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favour of Flora was a tough decision. We know Fran is a quality player and at 21 we believe she still has her best years in front of her."
3 inexperienced players in the team
Three White Ferns players — Polly Inglis, Bella James and Bree Illing — will play their first World Cup. Wicketkeeper-batter Inglis has played three ODIs and scored 43 runs. James is a top-order batter with 51 runs from two innings whereas left-arm pacer Illing has four wickets from three games at an average of 29.25.
"I'd like to especially acknowledge the four players set for their first World Cup - they've all earned this opportunity and I'm excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament," Sawyer said. "I'm really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we've got the right mix to tackle what we'll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition."
"Bree puts batters under pressure early with her swing and has great ability with the new ball. Her and Flora have both shown they can consistently bring the stumps into play, which will be effective in the conditions we're going to face.
"Flora's got an attacking mind and skillset with the bat, which is valuable down the order. Bella's a versatile batter who can hit 360 degrees around the ground and can bat in most places in the line up.
"Polly gives us another option with the gloves within the squad, and she possesses great grit and determination, which are qualities that will be important in trying conditions."
New Zealand will begin their campaign against defending champions Australia at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore on October 1.
New Zealand’s squad for Women's ODI World Cup 2025 -
Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.