Sophie Devine Praises Smriti Mandhana Ahead of Retirement from Women's World Cup

Sophie Devine expressed her admiration for India’s star batter Smriti Mandhana while acknowledging relief that she will no longer face her in international cricket. New Zealand exited the Women’s World Cup 2025 after a 53-run DLS defeat against India at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Sports Academy. Devine had previously announced that she would retire from ODI cricket after this tournament, making the match against India one of her final appearances.

Mandhana, named Player of the Match, scored a stunning 109 off 95 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. She also formed a record-setting 212-run opening partnership with Pratika Rawal, who contributed her maiden World Cup century in the same match. This performance not only helped India post a formidable total but also highlighted Mandhana’s growing dominance in women’s cricket.

Speaking at a post-match press conference, Devine praised Mandhana while acknowledging her own impending retirement. “Jeez, you want me to talk about an Indian player in a New Zealand press conference! But yes, Smriti is an outstanding player. She’s smashed records this year, is still young, and I’m glad I’m retiring so I don’t have to deal with her,” she said candidly.

Devine added that Mandhana’s talent and dedication ensure she will continue improving. “You don’t reach her level without being an efficient trainer and knowing how to develop your game. She’ll continue to get better, and I’ll just watch from the sideline,” Devine noted.

Currently, Mandhana leads the scoring charts in the ongoing World Cup, amassing 331 runs from six matches at an average of 55.16 and a strike rate of 100.60, including a century and three fifties. Her consistent form has made her a pivotal player for India, inspiring confidence in her team as they progress toward the semi-finals.

For Devine, the focus now shifts to concluding her ODI career on a high note. New Zealand faces Nat Sciver-Brunt’s England on October 26 at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Devine enters the match as the fifth-highest run-scorer in the tournament, with a top score of 112 against Australia in Indore.

While Devine retires, her remarks underline the respect top players have for emerging talents like Mandhana. India’s opening duo of Mandhana and Pratika Rawal has become one of the most formidable in women’s cricket, showcasing skill, strategy, and synergy that sets a benchmark for the next generation.