Visakhapatnam, India – In a bittersweet encounter at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, England defeated New Zealand by eight wickets in the ICC Women's World Cup, bringing an end to Sophie Devine's illustrious ODI career. The match, played on October 26, 2025, saw England dominate with both ball and bat, denying Devine a fairytale farewell.
New Zealand, after winning the toss and electing to bat, were bundled out for a mere 168 in 38.2 overs. Georgia Plimmer top-scored with 43, while Amelia Kerr contributed 35. Devine, in her final ODI innings, could only manage 23 before being caught behind off a Nat Sciver-Brunt delivery. A collapse ensued, with the White Ferns losing their last five wickets for a paltry 13 runs. Linsey Smith was the pick of the English bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 30 runs. Alice Capsey also chipped in with 2 wickets.
England's chase was clinical and swift. Amy Jones led the charge with an unbeaten 86 off 92 balls, securing the win with a boundary. Tammy Beaumont contributed a solid 40 at the top of the order. England reached their target in just 29.2 overs, finishing on 172 for 2. Devine did manage to pick up a wicket in her final ODI, trapping Heather Knight lbw for 33.
The victory ensured England finished the group stages in second place. They will now face South Africa in the semi-final in Guwahati. The result, however, had no bearing on the semi-final line-ups, but it could be crucial, because it puts England second in the group. Should the semi-final be washed out, England would progress at the expense of third-placed South Africa.
The day was undoubtedly centered around Sophie Devine, who announced her retirement from ODIs prior to the tournament. Both teams formed a guard of honor as she walked off the field for the final time, acknowledging her remarkable career. Devine, who debuted for New Zealand in 2006, retires as one of the country's greatest ever players, amassing over 4,000 runs and taking over 100 wickets in ODIs. She took over the captaincy in 2020.
Reflecting on her ODI career, Devine expressed her disappointment at New Zealand's World Cup exit but also pride in the younger players coming through. She noted the growth of players like Isabelle Gaze, Brooke Halliday and Amelia Kerr. She steps down as a White Ferns legend.
England, meanwhile, will be sweating on the fitness of Sophie Ecclestone, who injured her shoulder while fielding. Ecclestone left the field for treatment, came back briefly to take the wicket of Brooke Halliday in the 23rd over, but was unable to complete the over and did not return to the field. Amy Jones was named player of the match. She found the pitch quite challenging and frustrating. She also paid tribute to Devine and said that she is a legend of the game.
While the match marked a significant moment in women's cricket with Devine's farewell, it also highlighted England's strength as they head into the crucial semi-final stage.
