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Huge blow to NZ as Flora Devonshire set to miss Women's World Cup 2025

Arunima Purohit

Flora Devonshire [Source: @CricBhakt7380, X.com]Flora Devonshire [Source: @CricBhakt7380, X.com]

New Zealand failed to start their ICC Women's World Cup 2025 on a positive note, losing their first match against Australia by 89 runs. The batting lineup fell like a pack of cards, which was not something they might have expected. Despite having some of the best players in the squad, their loss was disappointing. 

Adding to their miseries, all-rounder Flora Devonshire is ruled out of the tournament due to injury. This is terrible news for the Kiwis, as she was an excellent player and could have been a valuable asset in the latter half of the tournament. 

Hannah Rowe to replace Flora Devonshire in NZ squad

New Zealand's 29-year-old bowler, Hannah Rowe, is set to replace Flora Devonshire in the squad for the rest of the tournament. Devonshire sustained a hand injury while practicing at Indore's Holkar Stadium. She was doing a fielding drill and suffered a laceration to her dominant hand, and requires multiple weeks to recover. Moreover, Devonshire was yet to make her debut for New Zealand in the ODIs. 

Meanwhile, Rowe has played 60 ODIs and has taken 65 wickets at an average of 27.83. She has gained considerable experience in the format and is likely to strengthen New Zealand's bowling attack. Ahead of their upcoming encounter on October 10 against South Africa, Rowe will arrive in Guwahati on Tuesday. 

New Zealand Squad: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Jess Kerr, Melie Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu

She is obviously not a like-for-like replacement: Ben Sawyer

New Zealand Women's Head Coach Ben Sawyer expressed grief as Flora Devonshire was ruled out of the tournament. He stated that Hannah Rowe is not a 'like-for-like' replacement, but her experience will provide immense help to the team in the tournament.  

"We're all feeling for Flora, she worked hard to earn her spot in this squad and it's a real shame her tournament is ending early. We're pleased to be able to call up a senior player in Hannah Rowe," said Ben Sawyer.


"Hannah's obviously not a like-for-like replacement for Flora, but she offers an all-round skillset and has experience in sub-continent conditions," he added.

The White Ferns will next take on the South African women in a crucial World Cup match on October 6.