Navi Mumbai, Oct 24 – Legendary New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine expressed optimism about the future of women’s cricket in India following her team’s defeat to India, which ended their hopes of advancing to the World Cup semi-finals. Devine, who is set to retire from ODIs after this tournament, reflected on the challenges faced by New Zealand cricket, emphasizing the stark differences between the cricketing landscapes of India and New Zealand.

In her fifth World Cup, Devine acknowledged that New Zealand’s population of five million limits their cricketing potential compared to India’s vast pool of one billion. She highlighted the importance of domestic cricket development and expressed excitement about the Women’s Premier League (WPL) and its potential to elevate women’s cricket on a global scale.

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Devine noted the promising talent within the New Zealand squad, mentioning players like Isabelle Gaze, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, and Eden Carson. She conveyed a sense of pride in the team’s growth and development, likening her connection to the team to that of a proud mother.

Devine became emotional during the press conference, reflecting on the team’s preparations and the impact of weather on their campaign. She acknowledged the hard work put in by the team over the past year but recognized that effort does not always guarantee results. Devine expressed a desire to analyze the team’s performance to identify areas for improvement.

In addition to her reflections on her team, Devine praised India’s vice-captain Smriti Mandhana for her impressive performance, noting her record-breaking achievements and potential for further growth in the sport.

As New Zealand prepares for their final match against England, Devine emphasized the importance of finishing strong, stating that the team would approach the game with determination and pride.