New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine put up a fighting performance for the White Ferns in their opening match of the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 against Australia at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Wednesday, October 1. New Zealand did not have an ideal start to their campaign, suffering a 89-run defeat to the defending champions.

With a mammoth 327-run target, New Zealand succumbed to pressure early in the innings before being folded for 237 in 43.2 overs. Devine played the captain's knock of 112 off 112 balls, including 12 fours and 3 sixes, while Amelia Kerr (33), Brooke Halliday (28), and Isabella Gaze (28) provided brief support. Still, none could convert their start into a substantial partnership.

For Australia, Sophie Molineux (3/25) and Annabel Sutherland (3/26) together picked six wickets, while Alana King registered figures of 2/44 at an economy rate of 5.50 in 8 overs. Darcie Brown had a forgettable outing as she was smashed for 52 without taking a wicket and had an economy rate of 13.00 in her spell of four overs.

Devine Sophie: Lone Warrior for New Zealand

Devine Sophie emerged not only as the star performer for New Zealand but also as a symbol of resilience and resistance against Australia's dominant bowling attack. Devine walked in to bat when the Kiwis were reeling at 0/2 in the opening over of their run chase. However, New Zealand's batting steadied with a 75-run stand for the third wicket between Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr until the latter's dismissal.

Thereafter, the 39-year-old shouldered the responsibility of New Zealand's run chase, alongside Halliday, Green, and Gaze in the middle order, stitching a small but crucial partnership that steadied their ship. These partnerships took the side past the 200-run mark and kept New Zealand in the hunt for the run chase.

However, the focus was entirely on Sophie Devine, who was battling against scoreboard pressure, and her stay at the crease was putting on the Australian bowling attack. The New Zealand skipper was determined to go for a century despite the mounting pressure. She was batting on 98 while smashing a full-toss delivery off Ash Gardner for a six to complete her ninth ODI century of her career.

Captain's knock all the way! What a statement innings from #SophieDevine when NZ needed her most the LIVE action ➡ #CWC25 #BANvPAK | THU, 2nd OCT, 2 PM on Star Sports & JioHotstar twitter/y6gHbLgWJ3

- Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 1, 2025

New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine steps up with a valiant in the chase against Australia Watch the game LIVE in your region, broadcast details here ➡️ #CWC25 #AUSvNZ twitter/RumVIsz3HJ

- ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 1, 2025

Sophie Devine was looking to carry on her innings after completing the century before her stay at the crease was ended by Annabel Sutherland at 235/7. The veteran all-rounder played a fighting knock of 112 off 112 balls. Eventually, Devine's valiant effort went in vain as New Zealand lost the remaining three wickets in just 2 runs and eventually folded their innings at 237 in 43.2 overs.

Sophie Devine's knock receives applause

Though New Zealand lost their opening match of the Women's World Cup 2025, Sophie Devine's fighting knock earned widespread applause from fans on social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Although the Kiwis were struggling to chase down the mammoth target set by Australia, Devine did not lose hope.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans applauded Sophie Devine's grit, determination, and resilience, and held New Zealand's fort almost single-handedly. Her masterclass performance was hailed as one of the finest in the Women's ODIs.

Sophie Devine, you absolute legend! Take a bow #CricketTwitter #CWC25 twitter/eDwLVnpVjK

- Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) October 1, 2025

Devine Display of Determination! Sophie Devine brings up her century with a SIX! Another century in the match .#WomenWorldCup #AUSvNZ twitter/as7CbBPIjk

- AsliBCCIWomen (@AsliBCCIWomen) October 1, 2025

Sophie Devine the fighter twitter/u7EZ0DWe9g

- RCBIANS OFFICIAL (@RcbianOfficial) October 1, 2025

TAKE A BOW, CAPTAIN SOPHIE DEVINE. New Zealand at one point 0/2 and then she played one of the best Knock, she scored 112 runs from 112 balls against Australia in big run chase in Women's World Cup.- Sophie Devine, Alone Warrior for New Zealand..!!!! twitter/JiMF7vWlDp

- Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) October 1, 2025

Sophie Devine coming in at 0/2 has fought her way to , now it becomes very dangerous for the Aussies. I have seen Devine plunder bowlers in the last few overs for fun. Game on here!

- Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) October 1, 2025

CENTURY Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine completes her hundred in 107 balls with a Six!What a way to bring up the century! Take a bow, because this is some innings.#SophieDevine #AUSvsNZ #iccwomensworldcup2025 #cricketaddiction twitter/muJ8SKPXjT

- Cricket Addiction (@CricketAdd1ct) October 1, 2025

TAKE A BOW SOPHIE DEVINE..!!!!!- She smashed 112 runs from 112 balls including 12 fours & 3 sixes,a iconic knock by New Zealand Captain vs Australia in women's World Cup, remember this knock by Sophie twitter/PAxAUo8mWV

- MANU. (@IMManu_18) October 1, 2025

A true captain's knock from Sophie Devine! Led from the front with grit and determination - a fighting effort till the end #CWC25 #AUSvNZ #SophieDevine #CaptainFantastic twitter/5F4kx8FVho

- Arshit Yadav (@imArshit) October 1, 2025

WELL PLAYED, SOPHIE DEVINE - 112 runs from just 112 balls including 12 fours & 3 sixes at a Strike Rate of 100 against Australia.#ElvishYadav #ElvishArmy twitter/8kZTGM75yd

- CricketQuickBuzz (@CricketQuickBuz) October 1, 2025

TAKE A BOW, CAPTAIN SOPHIE DEVINE. .From 0/2 to a sensational 112 (112) against mighty Australia in the Women's World Cup..Sophie Devine, the Lone Warrior for New Zealand...!!!! #WomensWorldCup2025 twitter/2wskVqvURe

- AtifOnCricket (@cricatif) October 1, 2025

Meanwhile, Sophie Devine became the third older player after Barb Bevege and Jannette Briitin to score a century in the history of the Women's ODI World Cup. Additionally, New Zealand's skipper completed 4000 runs in Women's ODIs, making her the 14th player to complete the milestone.

Sophie Devine is playing her farewell Women's ODI World Cup as she has planned to retire from the 50-over format and will continue to play in the T20Is.

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