Devine Stays Calm Before Crucial Game Against India

New Zealand’s World Cup journey has hit turbulence, with two losses in their first three matches and two additional games abandoned due to rain. As they prepare for a pivotal clash against India, captain Sophie Devine exudes calm and resilience.

Devine’s Perspective on Experience

During a recent press conference, Devine addressed how her nearly two-decade career could influence her team’s performance in this high-pressure match. She expressed gratitude for being perceived as experienced rather than old. “Thanks for not saying I’m old. I appreciate that, experienced is nice,” she remarked, hinting at the valuable lessons her experience brings.

Under Pressure in Mumbai

The New Zealand team is well aware of the stakes in this upcoming game. Playing in Mumbai before a predominantly Indian crowd raises the pressure levels. Devine recognized the weight of expectations on the Indian team, who have faced criticism after a string of losses. She expressed empathy for them, recalling the pressure they felt during New Zealand’s home World Cup in 2022.

Feeling the Pressure

• “We’re really stepping towards that pressure,” Devine stated.
• She highlighted the intense atmosphere of a near knockout game in India.
• Devine acknowledged India as the favorites but reinforced her team’s underdog spirit.

New Zealand’s historical win-loss ratio against India in ODI World Cups stands at 0.2, the lowest against any opponent. Devine humorously suggested that the outcome of this statistic would only be clear after the match. “We can get confidence from the fact that we’ve played them in pressure situations before,” she noted.

Young Players and Learning Opportunities

Devine aims to use this match as a development opportunity for her younger players. “It is such a cool opportunity. This is why you play high-performance sport,” she affirmed. The match is viewed as a chance to showcase not only women’s cricket but also New Zealand’s cricketing prowess.

Concerns and Preparations

While rustiness is a concern—having not played a full game in nearly 12 days—weather forecasts add another layer of uncertainty. Devine addressed the potential for rain with her characteristic composure. “I expect there to be rain everywhere we go at the moment,” she said, focusing on their game plan rather than external conditions.

Local Knowledge and Player Insights

This match marks New Zealand’s first appearance at DY Patil Stadium. However, team member Amelia Kerr brings experience from six Women’s Premier League matches at the venue. Devine emphasized the importance of Kerr’s familiarity with the local conditions and players: “Everyone expects Melie to perform and to give to this group.”

As the match approaches, both teams are bracing for intense competition. Devine closed the press conference with her usual flair, aiming to keep the focus on their game rather than the external pressures surrounding the Indian team. “We’ll let the Indian public and the media give the Indian team enough pressure and we’ll just keep going about our thing,” she concluded.