Women of steel: Sophie Devine

It is always a special feeling to win a World Cup for your country. And if one achieves that feat as a captain, it is icing on the cake. World Cup winning captains truly imbibe their names in history books, they are remembered for long. For instance, MS Dhoni is remembered for his contributions as a skipper first and then as a player. He will always be regarded as a player who won three ICC trophies for India. Hence, it’s the captain who is remembered for a longer time. 

Recently, the Women's World Cup concluded and it was Sophie Devine’s team that lifted the trophy. New Zealand grabbed their maiden title and like always, it will be Sophie Devine who’ll be remembered the most and the longest for this triumph in 2024. 

Today, in this article by ZAP cricket, we will talk about the, GOAT who has given her all for White Ferns- Sophie Devine. 

Sophie Devine is a player who has represented New Zealand in both cricket and hockey. She is a right handed batter and a right arm medium pacer. She is gifted with extra power and that has always given her an edge in batting. For a long long time, she has played the role of an anchor in the national squad. She is one of the most experienced players in the team and that has always helped her side in winning games.

Early life and domestic cricket 

Born on 1 September, 1989, Devine played domestic cricket for Wellington and Canterbury. She attended Greenacres School and Tawa College. Later, she completed her Bachelor's degree from University of Canterbury.

Sophie started playing for the senior women’s hockey team at age 14. Same year, she made her first class debut in cricket as well. Because of athleticism and quality performance at domestic level, she was picked in the national squad when she was 17. Subsequently, she chose cricket over hockey. 

International career of Sophie Devine

Devine made her ODI debut on 22 October, 2006 vs Australia and T20I debut on 18 October, 2006 vs Australia. Following are the highlights of her international career so far: 

• Holds the records for scoring fastest 50 in Women’s T20 that is in just 18 balls
• First cricketer, both male and female, to make five consecutive scores of fifty or more in T20Is
• In 2017, she was named in Women’s T20I Team of the Year
• In August 2018, awarded central contract with New Zealand Cricket 
• In March 2019, she was named as International Women’s T20 Player of the Year in annual New Zealand Cricket Awards
• In July 2020, she was appointed as captain of national team 
• In October 2024, she led her side in the 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup and later became world champions as well.

International stats of Sophie Devine

International centuries of Sophie Devine 

Sophie Devine against best bowlers in the world in all the formats 

Sophie Devine in franchise cricket 

Devine started her WBBL journey with Adelaide Strikers in 2015. In 2021, she switched sides and was picked by Perth Scorchers. Since then she's been playing for the same team. In the 2023 WPL edition, she was picked by Royal Challengers Bangalore for a price of INR 50 Lakhs. Also in, The Hundred, she plays for Birmingham Phoenix.