The 22-year-old all-rounder Flora Devonshire has received her maiden ODI call-up for the New Zealand squad for the upcoming Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, which is set to be played across India and Sri Lanka.
Devonshire made her T20I debut against Sri Lanka earlier this year and was part of the New Zealand A tour of England in June and July. However, her inclusion has left Fran Jonas to be left out of the squad.
Meanwhile, Polly Inglis, Bella James and Bree Illing received maiden call-ups for the World Cup.
“It’s never easy when you have multiple players pushing for the same spot and that of course made for some tough selection calls,” head coach Ben Sawyer said.
“Having to leave out the likes of Fran in favour of Flora was a tough decision. We know Fran is a quality player and at 21 we believe she still has her best years in front of her,” added Sawyer.
Meanwhile, left-arm seamer Illing took four wickets in fer first ODI series against Sri Lanka, while James made her ODI debut against Australia late last year.
Your WHITE FERNS squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India 🖤🤍 #CWC25 pic.twitter.com/6sqrJ6PUQp
— WHITE FERNS (@WHITE_FERNS) September 10, 2025
“I’d like to especially acknowledge the four players set for their first World Cup – they’ve all earned this opportunity and I’m excited to see what impact they can have on the tournament,” Sawyer said.
“I’m really pleased with the balance of the squad. I think we’ve got the right mix to tackle what we’ll come up against in terms of conditions and opposition.”
“Bree puts batters under pressure early with her swing and has great ability with the new ball. Her and Flora have both shown they can consistently bring the stumps into play, which will be effective in the conditions we’re going to face.”
“Flora’s got an attacking mind and skillset with the bat, which is valuable down the order. Bella’s a versatile batter who can hit 360 degrees around the ground and can bat in most places in the line up.
Polly gives us another option with the gloves within the squad, and she possesses great grit and determination, which are qualities that will be important in trying conditions.”
Sophie Devine who will retiring from ODI cricket after the World Cup, will lead the experienced side which features Suzie Bates, Lea Tahuhu, Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr.
“I can honestly say that in the four world events I’ve been part of with this group, we are the best prepared we’ve ever been,” Sawyer said.
“Having no international cricket in our calendar since April has given us the ability to work really hard on our physical skills in particular, which is something that could be the difference in India,” Sawyer concluded.
The squad leaves for the UAE on September 13 for a preparation camp which includes two warmup fixtures against England before heading to India. New Zealand will play first World Cup match against Australia on October 01 in Indore.
New Zealand Squad for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Sophie Devine (capt), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Amelia Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu
