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New Zealand has achieved remarkable success by actively engaging its youth in policy-making and decision-making processes. By investing in mental health services, education, and amplifying young voices through the refreshed Youth Plan, the country is fostering a thriving future led by empowered and engaged youth.
Sophie Devine proudly corrects, ‘Eight years.’ With a tear glistening in her eye, she reflects on the long wait for New Zealand Women to reach a World Cup semifinal once again, whether in the one-day or T20 format. This drought included their disappointing home World Cup campaign in 2022.
Their victory against hosts England in the Commonwealth Games bronze medal match later that year offered a brief spark of hope. Still, it was quickly overshadowed by heavy defeats to Australia and South Africa in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup. These losses left New Zealand unable to keep up with the competition. Holding back tears, Devine admitted at the midpoint of their campaign, ‘I’d rather go down swinging and get bowled out for 12 than fail to show our real potential and suffer such heavy defeats.’
As they prepared for the next major tournament, Devine’s leadership guided the team through tough but necessary conversations, during which they redefined the style of cricket they wanted to play. Over the following 18 months, leading to the 2024 edition in the UAE, their planning aligned with execution. Despite facing setbacks and falling short several times, New Zealand’s commitment to this new direction signaled that the long-term payoff could be well worth the effort.
As the senior group of Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, and Sophie Devine approached the twilight of their careers, the New Zealand cricket team sought to strike a balance between honoring their veterans and injecting fresh talent. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on the horizon, the White Ferns aimed to capitalize on their wealth of experience while nurturing the next generation of stars.
Eden Carson replaced Leigh Kasperek, and young prospects Fran Jonas and Izzy Gaze were fast-tracked from the U-19 setup.
Rosemary Mair returned to the team following a six-month rehabilitation period for a back injury. Devine made the bold decision to drop the batting order, allowing the 20-year-old Georgia Plimmer to flourish alongside the seasoned Bates.
The White Ferns’ win ratio of 0.312 in the 22 completed T20Is between the two World Cups was the lowest among the 10 participating teams. Despite this, New Zealand remained steadfast in their approach and refused to hit the panic button.
Devine acknowledged that success during this transformative period was not solely defined by results, emphasizing the growth and development of individual players. The team sought to measure success in terms of the lessons learned, improvements made, and the confidence gained by their young players.
When the T20 World Cup commenced, the White Ferns fired on all cylinders. Their unwavering belief in their strategy was rewarded as they achieved impressive victories. In a remarkable twist of fate, New Zealand’s triumph over Pakistan in the final group game secured their first T20 World Cup semifinal spot in eight years. It eliminated both Pakistan and India from the tournament.
Through their commitment to balancing experience with youth and focusing on player development, the White Ferns showcased the power of strategic planning and resilience in the face of adversity.
Facing the ‘Group of Death’ in the 2023 Women’s T20 World Cup, the New Zealand White Ferns knew they had to overcome formidable opponents Australia and India to stay in contention. Their meticulous planning and strategic approach paid off when they triumphed over India in a decisive 58-run victory. The powerhouse performances of veteran players Bates and Devine were critical to their success and set the stage for a confident win.
New Zealand’s calculated gameplay was noticed. The heavy defeat they inflicted upon India disrupted the latter’s Net Run Rate (NRR), ultimately sealing New Zealand’s place in the semifinals despite initial doubts about their chances. Reflecting on their growth since the previous World Cup in South Africa, Devine expressed pride in her team’s ability to learn from past experiences and support the development of younger players.
The White Ferns faced challenges as they progressed, including a 60-run loss to Australia. Nevertheless, the young and talented members of the squad stepped up to secure crucial victories. Plimmer’s first World Cup fifty contributed to their win over Sri Lanka, while Carson’s bowling prowess helped dismantle Pakistan. These successes were a testament to the team’s belief in winning the tournament.
Emphasizing the need to maintain focus and celebrate their achievements thus far, Devine acknowledged the job was only half done. With an emotional huddle marking their qualification for the knockouts, the White Ferns demonstrated their solidarity and determination to continue progressing in the competition.
Devine and Bates, two of only six players to have participated in all eight T20 World Cups, have supported each other throughout their illustrious careers. Their leadership has facilitated a seamless transition within the team, ensuring the sustainability of New Zealand cricket despite its limited talent pool. Regardless of the outcome of future tournaments, these veterans’ unwavering dedication and contributions will leave a lasting legacy.
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