Sophie Devine

Biography

Sophie Frances Monique Devine, born on September 1, 1989, in Porirua, New Zealand, is a formidable presence in women's cricket. A dynamic right-handed batter and a sharp right-arm medium-pace bowler, Devine has cemented her place as one of the world's leading all-rounders, known for her aggressive batting, impactful bowling, and astute leadership.

Early Life and Dual Sporting Talent: Devine's sporting prowess was evident from a very young age. She started playing both cricket and hockey at four and even harbored ambitions of becoming an All Black (New Zealand's national rugby team). She excelled in both sports, representing New Zealand in field hockey before ultimately choosing to focus on cricket. Her early years saw her play predominantly in boys' teams, which undoubtedly contributed to her strong, fearless approach to the game.

International Debut and Rise to Leadership: Sophie Devine made her international debut for the White Ferns (New Zealand's national women's cricket team) at just 17 years old, playing her first T20I in October 2006 and ODI in the same month. She quickly transitioned from primarily a bowler who could bat to a genuine all-rounder, with her batting becoming increasingly dominant. In July 2020, she was appointed captain of the New Zealand team, a role she has embraced with distinction.

Her batting style is characterized by raw power and a preference for hitting through the line. She is known for her ability to clear boundaries with ease, often setting a rapid pace at the top of the order. With the ball, her right-arm medium pace offers crucial breakthroughs and can be highly effective in both powerplays and death overs.

Career Highlights and Record-Breaking Achievements:

• World Cup Winning Captain: Devine led the White Ferns to their maiden ICC Women's T20 World Cup title in 2024, a historic achievement for New Zealand cricket.
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• Commonwealth Games Bronze: She captained New Zealand to a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
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• Record for Consecutive T20I Fifties: Devine holds the unique record, for both male and female cricketers, of scoring six consecutive fifty-plus scores in T20I cricket, a testament to her incredible consistency and form.
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• Fastest T20I Fifty (Women's): She holds the record for the fastest Twenty20 International half-century in women's cricket, achieved off just 18 balls.
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• Prolific All-Rounder: She is one of the few players in international cricket to have amassed over 3,000 runs and taken over 100 wickets in both ODIs and T20Is. As of June 2025, she has 8 ODI centuries and 1 T20I century.
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• Player of the Tournament Recognition: Her impactful performances have earned her numerous Player of the Series awards in international bilateral series.
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• WBBL Dominance: Devine has been a superstar in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL), leading the Perth Scorchers to their first WBBL title in WBBL|07. She is widely considered one of the most destructive batters and a consistent performer in the league's history.
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• WPL and The Hundred Presence: Her all-around skills make her a highly sought-after player in other major franchise leagues, having played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League (WPL) and Birmingham Phoenix in The Hundred.
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• Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM): In the 2025 King's Birthday Honours, Devine was appointed an ONZM for her significant services to cricket.

Sophie Devine is not just a statistical marvel; she is an inspiring leader and an entertainer on the field. Her commitment to the game and her relentless pursuit of excellence continue to make her one of the most exciting cricketers to watch. She recently announced her retirement from ODIs after the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup, highlighting her desire to find more balance, but will continue to play T20Is and franchise cricket.