New Zealand’s stunning run in the T20 World Cup 2024, where it defied odds to lift an ICC trophy, suggested a side rediscovering its competitive spark. But the challenge before the White Ferns ahead of the 50-over World Cup is a sterner one: the longer, white-ball format has not been kind to them in recent years.

The team stumbled through the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25, scraping automatic qualification in sixth place only by virtue of a superior Net Run Rate over Bangladesh.

The numbers tell the story of a worrying decline: from a 61 per cent win record (13 from 21 matches) in the inaugural 2014-17 cycle, to 38.8 per cent (7/18) in 2017-21, and a new low of 37.5 per cent (9/24) this time.

It is, in many ways, emblematic of New Zealand’s drift since its historic 2000 World Cup triumph. The side last reached a final in 2009, and even hosting the tournament in 2022 could not break the cycle, with the White Ferns bowing out at the group stage. It ended in a disappointing sixth place after securing only three wins, similar to its campaign in 2017.

Will 2025 in India be different? Here’s what you need to know about the squad:

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Captain – Sophie Devine

Coach – Ben Sawyer

Best WC performance – Champion (2000)

ICC Ranking – 4th

STRENGTH

The Devine–Suzie Bates opening partnership has long underpinned New Zealand’s batting strength, amassing 1,998 runs — second only to Bates and Amy Satterthwaite’s 2,425. But with Devine set to step away from the format after this World Cup and time catching up with her long-time partner, the hunt for reliable replacements soon began.

Five players — Amelia Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Izzy Gaze, and Bella James — were tried alongside Bates in recent series, with only Kerr finding any real success.

In just four innings, she piled up 214 runs, including an unbeaten 100 against South Africa in 2024.

The prodigious spin-bowling all-rounder has been New Zealand’s standout performer since debuting as a 16-year-old in 2016. Kerr shouldered the batting responsibilities in this cycle with 927 runs from 24 matches. She also underlined her value with the ball, finishing as the team’s second-highest wicket-taker (23) behind her elder sister Jess Kerr’s 30.

That said, moving Amelia up the order leaves the No.3 spot vulnerable. Plimmer looks the likeliest to continue opening, while Devine has settled into the No. 4 role, scoring 607 runs in 14 innings, leaving Kerr in her established slot. Brooke Halliday and Maddy Green will add strength to the middle-order.

If there is one area where New Zealand continues to hold an edge, it is in its all-round resources. Joining Devine, Bates, and Kerr is the emerging talent of debutant Flora Devonshire, who earned her maiden call-up post her success in the domestic circuit and is poised to make her ODI debut.

WEAKNESS

The faith in fresh faces is also evident in the selections of Polly Inglis, James and Bree Illing, who join Devonshire as first-time World Cup picks. Their inclusion signals a side looking beyond the old guard and willing to gamble on untested potential, though whether the group has had enough time to build cohesion remains uncertain.

Having no international cricket in the past six months — playing last against Sri Lanka in March — leaves New Zealand short on match practice heading into the World Cup. The lack of competitive exposure could be costly in Indian conditions, yet the White Ferns’ combination of experience and emerging prowess gives them a platform to compete with renewed purpose.

OPPORTUNITY

For a side in transition, this World Cup is a great opportunity for the second tier of experience to step up and cushion Devine and Bates. With Devine set to walk away from the format, there’s no better stage than the marquee tournament for New Zealand’s youngsters to take control of the future of the side.

THREAT

New Zealand put on a suboptimal show on Indian soil in 2024 in the three-match ODI series against India. It’s batting looked heavily dependent on Devine. A batting collapse might leave the bowling with a little too much to do. The White Ferns will seek solidity particularly in the PowerPlay.

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PREDICTION

New Zealand’s blend of seasoned experience and rising all-rounders, anchored by Devine and Kerr’s brilliance, gives the side a fighting chance. If its best game is on display, a return to the semifinal is on the cards.

Published on Sep 24, 2025