Sophie Devine Steps Down as New Zealand's T20I Captain

Sophie Devine Steps Down as New Zealand’s T20I Captain

Sophie Devine, the formidable New Zealand all-rounder, has announced her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. However, she will continue to lead the ODI side.

Devine, who has captained New Zealand in 56 T20Is, has been a pivotal figure in the team’s success. She has led the White Ferns to the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

However, Devine believes it is the right time to reduce her workload and allow the next generation of leaders to emerge. “I’m very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats,” she said. “With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I’ve enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times.”

Devine’s decision to step down from the T20I captaincy will allow her to focus more on her playing role and nurture the future leaders. “I’m not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet,” she added. “But I won’t be around forever, so I think stepping away from captaining one format at a time gives the next leaders time to find their feet.”

Ben Swayer, the head coach, praised Devine’s leadership and experience. “Soph is the epitome of a fearless leader and we’re really grateful for the leadership she brings to this group on and off the field,” he said. “She’s one of the most experienced White Ferns ever and her leadership and knowledge of the game has been so valuable as we have introduced several young players into the team over the past two years.”

Devine is currently recovering from a foot injury ahead of New Zealand’s three-match T20I series in Australia next month. The series will serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UAE from October 10 to November 13. New Zealand will name their squad for the World Cup on September 10.

The decision on who will replace Devine as T20I captain has yet to be made. New Zealand’s next series in the format after the World Cup will be against Sri Lanka in March.

Sophie Devine Extends Stay with Perth Scorchers for Two More Seasons

Sophie Devine Extends Stay with Perth Scorchers for Two More Seasons

Sophie Devine, the dynamic New Zealand captain, has extended her stay with the Perth Scorchers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) for another two seasons. This pre-draft signing ensures that Devine will continue to be a cornerstone of the Scorchers’ lineup for the upcoming campaigns.

Devine’s retention by the Scorchers is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the team. In the previous season, she emerged as a pivotal figure, amassing 489 runs at an impressive average of 37.61. Her century against the Brisbane Heat showcased her batting prowess, while her 14 wickets highlighted her versatility as an all-rounder.

Devine’s impact extends beyond her on-field performances. She has forged strong connections with the players and staff at the Scorchers, creating a positive and supportive environment. “For me, coming back to Perth was a no brainer,” Devine said. “I have built such a special connection with the players and staff over the past four seasons, and I couldn’t imagine playing anywhere else.”

The Scorchers have yet to announce a new contract for Beth Mooney, the Australian opener who has been a key player for the team. However, it is widely expected that Mooney will remain with the club. The Scorchers have also bolstered their squad with the acquisition of Mikayla Hinkley from the Brisbane Heat during the off-season.

Last season, the Scorchers fielded a formidable overseas contingent that included English trio Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Winfield-Hill. However, Sciver-Brunt has indicated that she will not be participating in this season’s WBBL due to the demanding international schedule.

The WBBL is set to commence just seven days after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, while England has a tour of South Africa that overlaps with the end of the tournament in late November.

Devine’s return to the Scorchers follows the recent signing of Chamari Athapaththu by the Sydney Thunder for a three-year deal. With only Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes yet to announce pre-draft signings, the WBBL is shaping up to be another highly competitive season.

New Zealand Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Win Over England in T20I Thriller

New Zealand Snatch Dramatic Three-Run Win Over England in T20I Thriller

New Zealand’s dramatic three-run victory over England in the third T20I kept the series alive, thanks to a captain’s performance from Sophie Devine and a late collapse from the visitors.

Devine led the charge with a blistering 60 off 37 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 44* as New Zealand posted 155 for 3. England appeared to be cruising towards victory with Maia Bouchier’s 71, but Devine’s dismissal of Bouchier sparked a middle-order meltdown.

Kerr ran out Heather Knight and removed Amy Jones, leaving England needing eight off the last over. Suzie Bates, bowling her first over of the match, held her nerve to secure the win for New Zealand.

The final over was filled with drama, as Devine’s penultimate delivery looked to be a wide but was not called. England needed eight off the last ball, and Bates delivered, removing Holly Armitage and then Charlie Dean to seal the victory.

Devine and Kerr had earlier laid the foundation for New Zealand’s total, adding 99 for the third wicket. Devine’s fifty came off 30 balls, while Kerr remained unbeaten on 44*.

Bouchier gave England a strong start with her maiden T20I fifty, but her dismissal proved to be the turning point. Tammy Beaumont and Bouchier had put on 92 for the second wicket, but New Zealand’s bowlers tightened their grip after Beaumont’s departure.

England’s attack suffered a setback when Sarah Glenn was forced off the field after failing a concussion test. Her absence will be a blow, but the return of Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth match will provide some compensation.

Heather Knight's Heroics Lead England to T20I Series Lead

Heather Knight’s Heroics Lead England to T20I Series Lead

England’s Heather Knight once again proved her mettle as she guided her team to a 15-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Nelson. Knight’s unbeaten 56* lifted England from a precarious 77 for 6 to a competitive 149 for 7.

New Zealand’s chase started promisingly with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr at the helm. However, the return of England’s frontline spinners, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Sarah Glenn, proved decisive. Dean and Glenn had earlier played crucial roles with the bat, supporting Knight’s rescue act.

Smith, making her international comeback after nearly five years, made an immediate impact by dismissing Suzie Bates with her first delivery. Dean then removed Devine, while Gibson’s dismissal of Kerr proved to be the turning point.

As the asking rate climbed, New Zealand’s middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure. Maddy Green’s struggles continued, and Lauren Bell claimed two wickets in three balls to seal the victory for England.

Knight’s innings was a masterclass in composure and adaptability. She played alongside Dean and Glenn to stabilize the innings and then accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs. Her ability to adapt to the situation and play according to the team’s needs is a testament to her leadership qualities.

England’s spinners were the stars of the show, with Dean, Smith, and Glenn combining for figures of 12-0-74-4. Their ability to control the run rate and pick up crucial wickets proved to be the difference between the two sides.

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