New Zealand are the defending T20 champions. ©AFP
"It's evident that this tournament will show the new blood on show in New Zealand as we look to clinch the title for the first time since 2000," wrote Sophie Devine, the New Zealand captain, in a column for the ICC. For a team that has been part of women's cricket since its very beginnings, New Zealand arrive at the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka determined to prove they are more than just underdogs with pedigree. The White Ferns have a proud history - champions back in 2000 and frequent semifinalists before and after - but the past decade has often seen them outpaced by the likes of Australia, England and India. Their T20 World Cup win in 2024, however, was a reminder that this side still carries match-winners and can summon the belief needed to go all the way.
Conditions this time add another layer of intrigue. Indian and Sri Lankan pitches will challenge technique against spin and demand patience on slower surfaces, while the heat and constant travel will test depth and adaptability. For New Zealand, the squad's balance - a blend of seasoned campaigners like Devine and Suzie Bates with emerging names such as Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer - offers both stability and freshness. Devine has confirmed this will be her final ODI World Cup, and that sense of finality sharpens the stakes: New Zealand will be desperate to send their inspirational captain off with a deep run.
They may not be listed among the frontrunners, but as their recent T20 title showed, this is a side that thrives when underestimated. If the senior players fire and the younger brigade play with freedom, New Zealand could turn their dark-horse status into something brighter. The last time they reached an ODI semifinal was in 2013, also in India. Returning to familiar conditions, they'll aim to go even further - and perhaps script a fitting farewell for Devine, 35, and Bates, 38, who, even without a formal announcement, is likely playing her final major tournament.
How they qualified
New Zealand secured their spot through the 2022-25 ICC Women's ODI Championship, finishing sixth that ensured direct entry. However, their campaign had inconsistencies. They won only nine out of 26 matches, getting 21 points as they finished below Sri Lanka and just made the qualification cut as they edged Bangladesh on net run rate. During this period, they registered series wins against West Indies, Bangladesh and Pakistan but lost to Sri Lanka, South Africa, India, Australia and twice to England.
Squad
Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu
Coach Ben Sawyer has leaned on a seasoned nucleus while bringing in new faces. Devine continues as captain, backed by long-time ally Bates, whose wealth of tournament experience is invaluable. Amelia Kerr, now established as one of the world's finest all-rounders, is central to the balance of the XI, while the veteran pacer Lea Tahuhu, along with Jess Kerr, provide seam options to complement Eden Carson's spin. On paper, the first-choice XI feels balanced: Devine and Bates at the top, Plimmer and Green shoring up the middle along with Amelia Kerr and Halliday for support, and a quality bowling unit.
Keep an eye on - Georgia Plimmer
At just 21, Plimmer is still in the formative stages of her career, but the right-hander has already displayed flashes of class that suggest she could become pivotal to New Zealand's batting. With Devine and Bates nearing the twilight of their journeys, this World Cup presents Plimmer with the perfect stage to stake her claim as the Ferns' next cornerstone. Her fluent 112 against Sri Lanka in March was a glimpse of what she is capable of.
Marquee match - October 23 vs India at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
While clashes with Australia or England carry historical rivalry, the fixture against hosts India promises the most theatre. A packed crowd, subcontinental conditions, and India's formidable spin-attack will test New Zealand's composure. For the White Ferns, upsetting India at home could be the momentum-swing they need to secure a semifinal berth. They lost the two warm-up matches against India A and India but come the tournament proper, New Zealand might be well prepared.
Where they finished in 2022
At the 2022 ODI World Cup on home soil, New Zealand endured heartbreak. Despite flashes of promise, inconsistent performances saw them eliminated in the league stage, finishing sixth.
Predicted finish - semifinalists
New Zealand are unlikely to enter as outright favourites, but their depth and experience should see them among the stronger challengers for a semifinal spot. If Devine and Amelia Kerr produce the kind of all-round performances they are capable of, the White Ferns can beat anyone on their day. A top-four finish looks a fair prediction, though they would need something special to topple the heavyweights and reach the final.
Full league stage schedule
Oct 1 - vs Australia, Indore (3:00 PM)
Oct 6 - vs South Africa, Indore (3:00 PM)
Oct 10 - vs Bangladesh, Guwahati (3:00 PM)
Oct 14 - vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (3:00 PM)
Oct 18 - vs Pakistan, Colombo (3:00 PM)
Oct 23 - vs India, Navi Mumbai (3:00 PM)
Oct 26 - vs England, Visakhapatnam (11:00 AM)
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