New Zealand Names 15-Member Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

New Zealand has made an announcement about its team for the Women's ODI World Cup 2025. For the first time, Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing have been included in the New Zealand team for the World Cup. Sophie Devine will captain the team in her last ODI in the upcoming ODI World Cup to be held in India and Sri Lanka. Former World Cup-winning captain Emily Drum has announced a 15-member squad for the World Cup in Auckland on Wednesday, i.e., 10 September.

In fact, these four new players made their debut for New Zealand last summer and were also included in the England 'A' tour earlier this year. Left-arm spinner Devonshire performed brilliantly in the Halliburton Johnstone Shield, scoring 266 runs at an average of 17.5 and taking 18 wickets. At the same time, Polly Inglis has been included as a backup wicketkeeper. She was one of the highest run scorers in the same competition, including an innings of 86 runs in the Otago Sparks' title win.

Left-arm fast bowler Bree Illing impressed with four wickets in her first match against Sri Lanka and then topped the list of wickets in 50-over matches on the England 'A' tour. 26-year-old James was the second-highest run scorer for New Zealand 'A' on that tour after Georgia Plimer. Her inclusion means that Fran Jonas, Lauren Down, Molly Penfold, and Hannah Rowe have been dropped from the team.

Despite the new faces, New Zealand will be led by experienced players. Devine, who has announced her retirement from ODIs after the tournament, is set for her fifth World Cup, along with Suzie Bates. Lea Tahuhu will play her fourth World Cup, while Maddy Green and Mellie Kerr will play in their third World Cup. The Black Caps will play two practice matches in Bengaluru before beginning their tournament against Australia in Indore on October 1.

New Zealand squad: Sophie Devine (captain), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Mellie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimer and Lea Tahuhu.