Women's World Cup 2025: New Zealand squad announced, multiple names earn maiden World Cup call-ups

Published - 10 Sept 2025, 09:18 IST | Updated - 10 Sept 2025, 09:45 IST

New Zealand has unveiled its 15-member squad for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, set to be played across India and Sri Lanka. The announcement WAS made in Auckland by former World Cup-winning skipper Emily Drumm, confirming that four players, Flora Devonshire, Polly Inglis, Bella James, and Bree Illing, will feature in their maiden ODI World Cup. Notably, captain Sophie Devine, who will play her fifth World Cup, is set to retire from ODIs after the tournament.

The White Ferns, who are the defending T20 World Champions, are looking to replicate their short-format success in the 50-over game. Since their last World Cup outing in 2022, New Zealand have seen some changes in the team, bringing in young talent through domestic competitions and New Zealand A tours.

South Africa name 15-member squad, Wolvaardt to lead

Meanwhile, Devonshire’s inclusion is one of the biggest talking points. The 22-year-old left-arm spinner, who impressed in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield with 18 wickets and over 250 runs, got the nod ahead of Fran Jonas. Sawyer spoke about the difficulty of leaving out Jonas but mentioned that Devonshire’s all-around ability and attacking mindset made her an ideal fit for Indian conditions.

Joining her are left-arm seamer Bree Illing, who bagged four wickets on her debut series against Sri Lanka, and followed it up with strong performances on the England ‘A’ tour. Furthermore, batter Bella James finished as New Zealand ‘A’s second-highest run-getter in England. Meanwhile, Polly Inglis is expected to add depth to the batting and a wicketkeeping backup to Izzy Gaze.

Captain Sophie Devine will be joined by stalwarts Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu, as well as Maddy Green and Amelia Kerr, who enter their third campaigns. Bates will look to extend her career by guiding the younger players.

The squad will depart for a pre-tournament camp in the UAE on September 13, featuring warm-up matches against England, before heading to India. Their World Cup opener is against arch-rivals Australia on October 1 in Indore.