Eight years,” Sophie Devine emphasizes, pride evident in her voice and a tear of joy glistening in her eye. That’s how long it has taken for New Zealand Women to reach the semifinals of a World Cup again whether in one-day or T20 formats after enduring a barren spell that included a home World Cup in 2022.
The fleeting hope sparked by their victory over hosts England in the Commonwealth Games bronze medal matches later that year faded, especially after two heavy defeats to the eventual finalists of the 2023 World Cup, Australia, and South Africa. Even among the chasing teams, New Zealand needed help to keep pace. Holding back tears while reflecting on their performance at the tournament’s halfway point, Devine stated, “I’d much rather we go down swinging and get bowled out for 12 than not show our true ability and be thumped like that.”
In preparation for the upcoming showpiece event, Devine and her team engaged in complex conversations that led to the establishment of the brand of cricket they aspired to play. Over the next 18 months leading up to the 2024 edition in the UAE, their plans turned into action. While immediate results were often sacrificed for growth, the team remained committed to their vision, knowing that perseverance would yield rewards.
Recognizing that there were “probably not too many more World Cups left” for veteran players like Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, and Devine herself, fresh talent was introduced to revitalize White Ferns cricket while learning from seasoned players. Young Eden Carson replaced Leigh Kasperek, and Fran Jonas and Izzy Gaze were fast-tracked from the Under-19 setup. Rosemary Mair returned swiftly from a six-month rehabilitation for a back injury.
Devine led by example, adjusting her position in the batting order to distribute power more evenly and to allow 20-year-old Georgia Plimmer to grow by partnering with the experienced Bates. This decision faced criticism, but Plimmer’s maiden half-century in Australia just before their World Cup departure validated their strategic vision.
“Over the past 18 to 24 months, with such a young group, the definition of success has shifted; it’s not solely about results,” Devine explained before New Zealand’s World Cup campaign opener against India in Dubai earlier this year. “Of course, we want to win games, but for players who are young and inexperienced in international cricket, success often lies in their growth as individuals. What have they learned? How have they developed, not just between World Cups, but between series? How have they improved during camps? This focus on growth has been crucial, reminding players of the confidence that stems from their hard work.”
In the lead-up to the World Cup, New Zealand managed to win only five of their 22 completed T20Is, resulting in a win ratio of 0.312—the lowest among the ten participating teams. However, there was no sense of panic. The team remained committed to its strategy and emerged ready to compete fiercely. Caught in its crossfire was the Indian team.
Similar to their 2023 draw, New Zealand faced a challenging start in what was dubbed the “group of death.” Their initial matches were against two of the strongest title contenders this time—India and Australia. Devine and her team recognized that defeating at least one of these giants was crucial for their survival in the tournament. India was pinpointed as the target, and the planning for this opening match began as soon as the pool was announced.
The groundwork laid in terms of match-ups, field placements, and detailed analysis paid off in their decisive 58-run victory. The tone was set by Bates’s mighty exploits during the powerplay, followed by Devine’s explosive fifty, which left India outclassed in all three departments. The heavy defeat significantly impacted India’s net run rate, placing them at the mercy of Australia and inadvertently securing New Zealand’s progression to the knockout stages when few had anticipated it just a week prior.
“It’s vital to reflect on how far we’ve come since that World Cup in South Africa,” Devine remarked after their 54-run victory over Pakistan confirmed their place in the semifinals. “We’re in a similar situation as we were in that tournament. We knew we had to win at least one of our first two games, along with the subsequent ones. We learned much about ourselves from that World Cup and the following 12 to 18 months. We brought in a young squad, and witnessing their growth has made me feel like a proud mother. The development they’ve shown since that 2023 tournament, where they faced immense pressure, has been remarkable.”
Following a 60-run defeat to Australia that threatened to overshadow their early progress, New Zealand’s young players stepped up to keep their campaign on track. Plimmer’s maiden World Cup fifty paved the way for a comfortable victory over Sri Lanka, while a Carson-inspired bowling display dismantled Pakistan.
“Probably no one expected us to be here, and that’s part of the Kiwi spirit we tend to fly under the radar,” Devine noted. “But we can win this bloody thing when we play our best cricket. There’s a real sense of pride within the group. The belief is enormous right now, so we will celebrate tonight and enjoy quality time together, but we also know the job is only half done.”
The knockout stage presents a fresh opportunity, but Devine may have unfinished business. If not for the footballer Ellyse Perry, Devine’s powerful last-ball straight drive could have secured New Zealand’s maiden T20 title in 2010.
Both Devine and Bates have come a long way since then. They are among only six players worldwide to have participated in all eight T20 World Cups, supporting each other through thick and thin. They are now pivotal in shepherding a seamless transition for a team with a manageable talent pool. Regardless of how far their young team progresses in this World Cup and beyond, Devine and Bates can look back with pride, knowing they have given their all to New Zealand cricket.
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