Sophie Devine expressed relief that she will no longer face Smriti Mandhana in her ODI career. On Thursday, Devine witnessed New Zealand’s exit from the Women’s World Cup following a 53-run DLS loss at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. She had earlier announced that she would retire after the ongoing tournament.

Devine praised Mandhana, who was named Player of the Match for her 109 off 95 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes. Mandhana also equalled Tazmin Brits’ record for the most Women’s ODI hundreds in a calendar year and was part of a 212-run opening partnership with Pratika Rawal, who also scored a century.

Women’s World Cup: India vs New Zealand Highlights

MANDHANA TO GET BETTER

Devine noted that Mandhana is still young and that reaching her level requires continuous development. She added that Mandhana’s game will only improve as her career progresses.

“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,” Devine said in the post-match press conference.

“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 added.

Mandhana is currently the leading run-scorer 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.

Meanwhile, Devine will aim to end her ODI career on a high when New Zealand face Nat Sciver-Brunt’s England on Sunday, October 26, at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. She is currently the fifth-highest run-scorer in the Women’s World Cup 2025, with a top score of 112 against Australia in Indore.

– Ends