Cricket

Sophie Devine, the formidable New Zealand all-rounder, has announced her decision to step down as the T20I captain after the upcoming T20 World Cup in the UAE. However, she will continue to lead the ODI side.Devine, who has captained New Zealand in 56 T20Is, has been a pivotal figure in the team's success. She has led the White Ferns to the final of the 2020 T20 World Cup and the semi-finals of the 2022 Commonwealth Games.However, Devine believes it is the right time to reduce her workload and allow the next generation of leaders to emerge. "I'm very proud to have had the privilege to captain the White Ferns in both formats," she said. "With captaincy comes an additional workload that, while I've enjoyed taking on, can also be challenging at times."Devine's decision to step down from the T20I captaincy will allow her to focus more on her playing role and nurture the future leaders. "I'm not ready to give up ODI captaincy just yet," she added. "But I won't be around forever, so I think stepping away from captaining one format at a time gives the next leaders time to find their feet."Ben Swayer, the head coach, praised Devine's leadership and experience. "Soph is the epitome of a fearless leader and we're really grateful for the leadership she brings to this group on and off the field," he said. "She's one of the most experienced White Ferns ever and her leadership and knowledge of the game has been so valuable as we have introduced several young players into the team over the past two years."Devine is currently recovering from a foot injury ahead of New Zealand's three-match T20I series in Australia next month. The series will serve as preparation for the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the UAE from October 10 to November 13. New Zealand will name their squad for the World Cup on September 10.The decision on who will replace Devine as T20I captain has yet to be made. New Zealand's next series in the format after the World Cup will be against Sri Lanka in March.

Sophie Devine, the dynamic New Zealand captain, has extended her stay with the Perth Scorchers in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) for another two seasons. This pre-draft signing ensures that Devine will continue to be a cornerstone of the Scorchers' lineup for the upcoming campaigns.Devine's retention by the Scorchers is a testament to her exceptional contributions to the team. In the previous season, she emerged as a pivotal figure, amassing 489 runs at an impressive average of 37.61. Her century against the Brisbane Heat showcased her batting prowess, while her 14 wickets highlighted her versatility as an all-rounder.Devine's impact extends beyond her on-field performances. She has forged strong connections with the players and staff at the Scorchers, creating a positive and supportive environment. "For me, coming back to Perth was a no brainer," Devine said. "I have built such a special connection with the players and staff over the past four seasons, and I couldn't imagine playing anywhere else."The Scorchers have yet to announce a new contract for Beth Mooney, the Australian opener who has been a key player for the team. However, it is widely expected that Mooney will remain with the club. The Scorchers have also bolstered their squad with the acquisition of Mikayla Hinkley from the Brisbane Heat during the off-season.Last season, the Scorchers fielded a formidable overseas contingent that included English trio Amy Jones, Nat Sciver-Brunt, and Lauren Winfield-Hill. However, Sciver-Brunt has indicated that she will not be participating in this season's WBBL due to the demanding international schedule.The WBBL is set to commence just seven days after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, while England has a tour of South Africa that overlaps with the end of the tournament in late November.Devine's return to the Scorchers follows the recent signing of Chamari Athapaththu by the Sydney Thunder for a three-year deal. With only Adelaide Strikers and Hobart Hurricanes yet to announce pre-draft signings, the WBBL is shaping up to be another highly competitive season.

England, the reigning world champions, have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. In the third and final ODI at Bristol, England captain Heather Knight won the toss and opted to field first.Despite heavy rain earlier in the day, the toss proceeded as scheduled. However, a downpour immediately followed, forcing the covers to be reapplied and delaying the start of play.England made three changes to their lineup, giving opportunities to Sophia Dunkley, Sarah Glenn, and Lauren Bell. Dunkley replaced Danni Wyatt, Glenn replaced Sophie Ecclestone, and Bell replaced Lauren Filer.New Zealand also made two changes, bringing in Hannah Rowe and Eden Carson for Jess Kerr and Fran Jonas.England's batting lineup features Tammy Beaumont, Maia Bouchier, Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophia Dunkley, Amy Jones, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn, Kate Cross, and Lauren Bell.New Zealand's batting lineup consists of Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Lauren Down, Isabella Gaze, Hannah Rowe, Molly Penfold, and Eden Carson.The match is currently underway, with New Zealand batting first. England will be looking to complete a clean sweep of the series, while New Zealand will be aiming to salvage some pride.

England captain Heather Knight opted to field first after winning the toss in the second ODI against New Zealand in Worcester. The hosts, buoyed by their dominant nine-wicket victory in the series opener, aimed to secure the series with a game to spare.England welcomed back experienced seamer Kate Cross, who missed the first ODI due to an abdominal strain. Alice Capsey also returned to the side, while Nat Sciver-Brunt was deemed fit enough to shoulder more bowling responsibilities. Sarah Glenn and Lauren Bell were the players to make way.New Zealand made a solitary change to their lineup, bringing in Lauren Down for Hannah Rowe. Down, who recently returned from maternity leave, slotted into the batting order at No. 7.England:1. Tammy Beaumont2. Maia Bouchier3. Heather Knight (capt)4. Nat Sciver-Brunt5. Danni Wyatt6. Amy Jones (wk)7. Alice Capsey8. Charlie Dean9. Sophie Ecclestone10. Kate Cross11. Lauren FilerNew Zealand:1. Suzie Bates2. Georgia Plimmer3. Amelia Kerr4. Sophie Devine (capt)5. Maddy Green6. Brooke Halliday7. Lauren Down8. Isabella Gaze (wk)9. Jess Kerr10. Molly Penfold11. Fran JonesThe match marked the first time that England had fielded an all-female umpiring team in an international fixture. Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, and Jasmine Naeem took charge of the proceedings.

England's upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand will serve as a crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. Captain Heather Knight has indicated that the team will experiment with different XIs in home conditions to establish better role clarity ahead of the ICC tournament.The series begins with an ODI leg, followed by a five-match T20I series that will provide more suitable preparation for the low, turning pitches expected in Bangladesh. While the ODI series is not part of the ICC Women's Championship, Knight emphasizes that winning remains a priority.However, the team will also use the opportunity to try different combinations and tactics, particularly in the T20I series. The hot and dry conditions in Durham are expected to favor spin, providing a similar environment to what England will face in Bangladesh.Knight acknowledges that the team has a familiar feel with the return of Sophia Dunkley and Nat Sciver-Brunt, but Kate Cross's injury has forced a late call-up for Ryana Macdonald-Gay. The 20-year-old has impressed in domestic cricket and on England A tours.Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Sophie Devine believes her team can cause an upset. Despite losing the previous series against England, Devine highlights the team's introspection and training efforts as reasons for optimism. She also praises opening batter Lauren Down, who is returning to international cricket after giving birth to her daughter.

New Zealand's dramatic three-run victory over England in the third T20I kept the series alive, thanks to a captain's performance from Sophie Devine and a late collapse from the visitors.Devine led the charge with a blistering 60 off 37 balls, while Amelia Kerr contributed 44* as New Zealand posted 155 for 3. England appeared to be cruising towards victory with Maia Bouchier's 71, but Devine's dismissal of Bouchier sparked a middle-order meltdown.Kerr ran out Heather Knight and removed Amy Jones, leaving England needing eight off the last over. Suzie Bates, bowling her first over of the match, held her nerve to secure the win for New Zealand.The final over was filled with drama, as Devine's penultimate delivery looked to be a wide but was not called. England needed eight off the last ball, and Bates delivered, removing Holly Armitage and then Charlie Dean to seal the victory.Devine and Kerr had earlier laid the foundation for New Zealand's total, adding 99 for the third wicket. Devine's fifty came off 30 balls, while Kerr remained unbeaten on 44*.Bouchier gave England a strong start with her maiden T20I fifty, but her dismissal proved to be the turning point. Tammy Beaumont and Bouchier had put on 92 for the second wicket, but New Zealand's bowlers tightened their grip after Beaumont's departure.England's attack suffered a setback when Sarah Glenn was forced off the field after failing a concussion test. Her absence will be a blow, but the return of Sophie Ecclestone in the fourth match will provide some compensation.

England's Heather Knight once again proved her mettle as she guided her team to a 15-run victory over New Zealand in the second T20I in Nelson. Knight's unbeaten 56* lifted England from a precarious 77 for 6 to a competitive 149 for 7.New Zealand's chase started promisingly with Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr at the helm. However, the return of England's frontline spinners, Charlie Dean, Linsey Smith, and Sarah Glenn, proved decisive. Dean and Glenn had earlier played crucial roles with the bat, supporting Knight's rescue act.Smith, making her international comeback after nearly five years, made an immediate impact by dismissing Suzie Bates with her first delivery. Dean then removed Devine, while Gibson's dismissal of Kerr proved to be the turning point.As the asking rate climbed, New Zealand's middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure. Maddy Green's struggles continued, and Lauren Bell claimed two wickets in three balls to seal the victory for England.Knight's innings was a masterclass in composure and adaptability. She played alongside Dean and Glenn to stabilize the innings and then accelerated the scoring rate in the final overs. Her ability to adapt to the situation and play according to the team's needs is a testament to her leadership qualities.England's spinners were the stars of the show, with Dean, Smith, and Glenn combining for figures of 12-0-74-4. Their ability to control the run rate and pick up crucial wickets proved to be the difference between the two sides.