The WHITE FERNS World Cup squad has been named for the next edition of 50-over fanfare and it's great news for two CENTRAL HINDS.

Left-hander FLORA DEVONSHIRE follows up her WHITE FERNS T20 debut towards the end of last season with her first call-up to a World Cup squad - one of four players heading to their first World Cup in either format.

Joining her is ultra-consistent seamer ROSEMARY MAIR.

Mair starred with the ball when the WHITE FERNS claimed the T20 World Cup last year, but this time around there is no room for fellow experienced star HANNAH ROWE who has been omitted from the squad in favour of Auckland youngster and fellow swing bowler, Bree Illing.

Good news for Flora Devonshire and Rosemary Mair

PHOTOSPORT

The tournament starts at the end of this month in India and Sri Lanka is a huge one for New Zealand as they attempt to add the global one-day title to their breakthrough T20 crown of 2024.

This is the 13th edition of the one-day version, and arch rival Australia heads in as the defending champion in this format.

The 15-strong New Zealand squad also sees Otago keeper-batter Polly Inglis and teammate Bella James (along with Devonshire and Illing) heading to their first World Cup, and keeper Izzy Gaze picked for her first one-day World Cup, but there are few real surprises given the composition of the mini-squad that headed to a training camp in India this winter to get in the zone for subcontinental conditions.

PHOTOSPORT

That trip included Devonshire (above) who, at 22, has gone from strength to strength in all facets of the game since her Hinds debut in both formats in the 2022/23 season. 

Left-handers are rare commodities in the New Zealand women's game, and Devonshire has four half centuries and a stunning bag of 5/22 with her off-spinners from her short one-day career to date.

Last season Devonshire was integral to a particularly impressive Hinds performance at Pukekura Park as the team chased down 292 with their second highest one-day team total of all time.

The big chase produced Devonshire's one-day best score of 73 not out off 71 balls, and she now stands to make her ODI debut at the World Cup, if selected in a starting XI.

Devonshire’s inclusion means there’s no room for Auckland's Fran Jonas, while Lauren Down, Molly Penfold are other familiar names not picked.

WHITE FERNS Head Coach Ben Sawyer said he was “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.

“It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot, and that of course made for some tough selection calls.

“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.

“Bree puts batters under pressure early with her swing, and has great ability with the new ball.

PHOTOSPORT

“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.”

The squad will depart for the United Arab Emirate on 13 September for a pre-tournament camp - which includes two unofficial warm-up matches against England.

All ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 matches will be broadcast live on SKY Sport NZ and live-scoring will be available at www.nzc.nz and on the NZC App. 

(ODI)

30 September-2 November 2025

India | Sri Lanka

SCHEDULE

 

2025 WORLD CUP SQUAD

Sophie Devine – Wellington Blaze, captain

Suzie Bates – Otago Sparks

Eden Carson – Otago Sparks

Flora Devonshire – Central Hinds

Izzy Gaze – Auckland Hearts

Maddy Green – Auckland Hearts

Brooke Halliday – Auckland Hearts

Bree Illing – Auckland Hearts

Polly Inglis – Otago Sparks

Bella James – Otago Sparks

Jess Kerr – Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr – Wellington Blaze

Rosemary Mair – Central Hinds

Georgia Plimmer – Wellington Blaze

Lea Tahuhu – Canterbury Magicians

Article added: Wednesday 10 September 2025