There's a certain buzz around the New Zealand team as they land in India and Sri Lanka for the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. On one hand, they're the reigning T20 champions, a title that proves they can go all the way. But on the other, they're chasing a ghost—a 25-year-long wait to lift the ODI trophy again. For a team steeped in cricketing history, the White Ferns are here to prove they’re more than just pedigreed underdogs.
Key Highlights
- ✓ New Zealand, the defending T20 champs, are aiming to win their first ODI World Cup since 2000.
- ✓ This will be the final ODI World Cup for inspirational captain Sophie Devine.
- ✓ The team has a challenging record against Australia, having lost their last 15 completed ODIs against them.
- ✓ They narrowly qualified, finishing sixth in the ODI Championship by edging Bangladesh on net run rate.
- ✓ Young star Georgia Plimmer, 21, is a key player to watch for the future of the White Ferns.
A Final Shot at Glory for a Golden Generation
Let's be real, the stakes couldn't be higher, especially for the team's iconic leaders. Captain Sophie Devine has already confirmed this is her last dance in an ODI World Cup. At 35, she’s looking to lead her team on a deep run, a fitting farewell for one of the game's greats. And alongside her is the legendary Suzie Bates, 38, who, while not making a formal announcement, is almost certainly playing in her final major tournament.
This sense of finality adds a powerful emotional undercurrent to their campaign. As Devine herself wrote for the ICC, "It's evident that this tournament will show the new blood on show in New Zealand as we look to clinch the title for the first time since 2000." It's not just about winning; it's about legacy. The last time they even reached an ODI semifinal was way back in 2013, also in India. They’ll be hoping those familiar conditions spark something special this time around.
The Perfect Blend of Experience and Youth?
Coach Ben Sawyer has put together a squad that feels both stable and excitingly fresh. You've got the seasoned core in Devine and Bates, whose tournament experience is simply priceless. Then there's Amelia Kerr, who has firmly established herself as one of the world's most elite all-rounders. Her ability to contribute with both bat and ball is absolutely central to the team's balance.
On the pace front, the veteran Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr provide the firepower, while Eden Carson handles the spin department. But the name buzzing with potential is Georgia Plimmer. At just 21, she's already shown flashes of pure class, like her fluent 112 against Sri Lanka back in March. With Devine and Bates in the twilight of their careers, this World Cup is the perfect stage for Plimmer to announce herself as the next cornerstone of New Zealand's batting lineup.
The Unsteady Road to Qualification
Getting here wasn't exactly a smooth ride. New Zealand secured their spot through the 2022-25 ICC Women's ODI Championship, but their campaign was plagued with inconsistency. They managed to win only nine out of their 26 matches, gathering just 21 points. In the end, they finished sixth and only just made the direct qualification cut by squeaking past Bangladesh on net run rate.
During that cycle, they had series wins against West Indies, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, but they also suffered losses to Sri Lanka, South Africa, India, Australia, and England (twice). This rollercoaster form is exactly why they fly into this tournament as dark horses. They have the talent, but can they find the consistency needed in a high-pressure World Cup environment?
Facing the "Big Sister" and a Baptism of Fire
New Zealand's tournament kicks off with the most unenviable task imaginable: facing the seven-time champions, Australia. The history here is, frankly, brutal. The Kiwis have lost all of their last 15 completed ODIs against their trans-Tasman rivals. When a journalist coldly reminded Devine of this eight-year winless streak at a press conference, her response was classic. "Thanks for that stat," she retorted, before adding that at World Cups, "records and previous results go out the window."
She handled another awkward moment with similar wit when a reporter mistakenly asked how it felt to come out of retirement. "I haven't retired," she repeated, "Are you saying I need to retire?" It was all in good fun, but it shows a captain who is sharp, focused, and not rattled by the pressure. She knows every game is crucial and that her team must play their own aggressive style of cricket, regardless of the opponent.
Interestingly, the Aussies seem to view the dynamic a bit differently. Their vice-captain, Tahlia McGrath, called it a "friendly rivalry," noting how well the teams know each other from franchise cricket. But make no mistake, when they step onto the field in Indore on October 1, friendship will be the last thing on anyone's mind. A win against their "big sister" would be a massive statement of intent.
The All-Important Clash with the Hosts
While the Australia game is huge, the marquee match for the White Ferns is undoubtedly their fixture against hosts India on October 23 in Navi Mumbai. Picture this: a packed DY Patil Stadium, sweltering subcontinental conditions, and a formidable Indian spin attack. This is the ultimate test of technique and composure. An upset victory here, on Indian soil, could be the exact momentum swing they need to lock in a semifinal spot.
Conclusion
So, where does that leave the Kiwis? They aren't the outright favorites—that title belongs to others. But writing them off would be a huge mistake. They are a team of proven champions with a perfect mix of legendary experience and exciting young talent. If Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr hit their stride, this team can genuinely beat anyone on their day. A top-four finish feels like a fair prediction, but with the added motivation of sending off their icons with a trophy, you just never know. This could be the tournament where the dark horse finally turns into a champion.
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