White Ferns skipper
of playing cricket around the world, playing in women’s T20 leagues in India, the UK and Australia.
Late last year she was named as the Women’s Big Bash League player of the tournament, having broken numerous records for the Adelaide Strikers, including becoming the first woman to hit a half-century and take five wickets in the same game.
She also hit the most sixes in Big Bash history by any player – male or female.
She will lead the Wellington Blaze in this weekend’s domestic T20 final at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
She’s hoping her fine form will continue into the final, and onto the White Ferns’ series against South Africa starting next week. After that, her sights are set on the ICC World T20 tournament in Australia starting on February 21.
‘‘We’ve been really disappointed with the last couple of World Cup performances,’’ she said.
‘‘We’ve certainly got a lot of work to do to win the World Cup and bring it home.’’
Blaze bowling coach and recalled Black Cap Hamish Bennett said Devine was a natural leader and the right person to take on the international captaincy.
‘‘. . . when she’s done it for the Blaze she’s been an outstanding role model and all the women have spoken immensely highly of Sophie,’’ he said.
‘‘She’s a great role model for everyone in her team, for the cricket public and for girls playing cricket in New Zealand. She’s someone I hope my daughter aspires to be.’’
Bennett said the new White Ferns captain wouldn’t be out of place playing with the men.
‘‘She hits the ball out of the ground. She can bowl fast. She’s every cricketer’s dream – she can bowl fast and hit a big ball. It doesn’t get much better than that.’’