New Zealand captain, aka the batting all-rounder Sophie Devine, has decided to retire from the 50-over format after the Women’s World Cup this year. The White Ferns’ captain made her decision public on Tuesday (17 June). Devine, 35, made her debut in 2006 when she was 17. She came into the side batting at number 11. Over the years, she transformed into a key all-rounder. She played 152 ODIs — a number exceeded by only Suzie Bates in White Ferns’ history. Her batting record stands at 3,990 runs. That includes 8 hundreds and 16 fifties. She is currently fourth on the all-time runs chart for New Zealand in ODIs. She is expected to reach 4,000 runs by the time the World Cup concludes. Devine also contributed with the ball. She has taken 107 wickets, placing her just below Lea Tahuhu in White Ferns’ wickets column. Speaking about her decision to step away, she said, "It feels like the right time for me to start stepping away. 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." 🗣️"It's a decision that has come with considerable thought and was always going to be really hard to do." @sophdevine77 on her decision to retire from ODI cricket after the @cricketworldcup🏆 pic.twitter.com/QfxcpSdKcM — WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) June 16, 2025 Read also: ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Full Schedule Announced Liz Green Backs Devine’s Call, White Ferns Prepare for Australia Opener Devine has led the White Ferns through a period of change. She took over the permanent captaincy in 2020 and remained at the helm during their T20 World Cup triumph last year. However, success in the 50-over format remained elusive. The White Ferns fell at the group stage in their last two World Cup campaigns. Liz Green, NZC’s Head of Women’s High Performance, supported Devine’s decision. She said, "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," Green said. "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." New Zealand will start their Women’s World Cup campaign against Australia in Indore on 1 October.