Sophie Devine, captain of New Zealand’s women’s cricket team, kept her spirits high after her squad’s tough 89-run defeat to Australia in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup opener in Indore. Despite the loss to the defending champions, Devine spotlighted her team’s grit and comeback spirit, especially during their challenging chase.
Australia set a big total, but New Zealand’s White Ferns refused to give up. Devine led the charge with a stunning century in the second innings, injecting real energy into what looked like a lost cause. She even joked about the heat, inviting reporters to “feel my shirt” to understand just how grueling it was out there.
What really fired her up, Devine said, was the hard work her players put in behind the scenes. “That’s the strength I draw from—the effort over the last six to 12 months,” she shared. “No one sees the tough training, but every girl in this team has been grinding to get fit and ready for moments like my knock today.”
Throughout the 50-over match, New Zealand clawed back from early setbacks, showing the kind of resilience that Devine believes sets them apart. “I’m thrilled with the fight we showed,” she added. “A couple of years ago, we might have folded early. Now, this group’s mindset keeps us battling through all 100 overs. Even when I slowed down from fatigue at the end, I knew everyone wanted to contribute.”
Devine gave shoutouts to teammates like Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, and Brooke Halliday for sticking to their game plans and keeping the pressure on. “They just dug in, played their strengths, and took the game to Australia,” she noted. “That’s the style we’re building—resilient women’s cricket that pushes the top teams.”
With six more pool games ahead in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, Devine knows wins matter, but so does the process. “We want victories, but tonight’s effort makes me proud,” she said. “If we keep playing smart cricket for longer stretches, we can challenge anyone and reach the business end, like the semi-finals.”
New Zealand’s performance against Australia proves they’re ready to scrap for every point in this tournament.
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