Devine stated before the India match, “My focus is on this tournament and more importantly, our match tomorrow.”
Veteran all-rounder Sophie Devine revealed a month before the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 that she would be stepping down as T20I captain after the competition. She promised to play on, but according to several media sources, the New Zealand international might finally declare her retirement, especially from T20I after the massive competition in the UAE.
Ahead of the White Ferns’ opening match against India, Devine addressed the rumors, saying that while she has no intention of retiring, she does want more new players to be included in the squad. The 35-year-old noted that after she declared to step down as T20I captain, she got the time to reflect on her career and is glad for the opportunities. The cricketer, who was born in Wellington, is pleased to watch the development of women’s cricket over the past few years, but she also points out that winning the T20 World Cup is the immediate objective.
Of all, everyone’s objective here is to win this World Cup, as far as I can tell. And that’s exactly how I feel about it. With this group of players, I would love to raise the trophy. Sincerely speaking, it has been a little strange. I’m not going to retire or anything. I’m merely relinquishing my position as T20 captain. However, it has undoubtedly caused me to consider my career and the opportunities I’ve had, Devine stated in the press conference held before kickoff.
It certainly demonstrates my age, but looking back to the first one in 2009, I’m glad to have witnessed the development of the women’s game and feel privileged to have been a part of it. However, I think it’s great that my attention and energy are currently on this competition, and this is definitely where the kids help. Devine continued, “I’m sure I’ll be able to reflect and celebrate what’s been after this event, but for now, my focus is on this tournament and, more importantly, on our game tomorrow.”
In the first warm-up match, New Zealand triumphed over South Africa by eight wickets. But in the second warm-up match, they lost to England by five wickets. In contrast, Devine scored 59 runs in these two matches.
