Suzie Bates becomes first woman cricketer to play 350 internationals; Sophie Devine joins Harmanpreet Kaur

New Zealand stars Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine achieved major milestones during the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 against South Africa at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore on Monday, October 6. Bates became the first woman cricketer to play 350 international matches, while Devine reached 300 matches.

Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine have been pillars of New Zealand for nearly two decades. Bates made her ODI debut in 2006 against India at 19, while Devine began a few months later against Australia at just 17. Both players have demonstrated remarkable longevity, consistency, and commitment to the game.

Suzie Bates Becomes the First to 350 Women's Internationals

Suzie Bates etched her name into history by becoming the first woman to play 350 international matches. She is the third-highest run-scorer in women’s ODIs, just 104 runs shy of 6,000 in the format. Notably, Bates also represented New Zealand’s former basketball team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

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Skipper Sophie Devine reached her own milestone, becoming only the seventh woman to feature in 300 internationals. Devine joined greats such as Harmanpreet Kaur (342), Ellyse Perry (341), Mithali Raj (333), Charlotte Edwards (309), and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (300).

Devine scored a stunning century against Australia in their first match of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025. She will retire from ODI cricket after the ongoing World Cup in India and Sri Lanka and will continue to represent New Zealand in T20Is under a casual contract.

A Little Bit of Embarrassment From Both of Us - Suzie Bates

Speaking ahead of the match, Suzie Bates emphasized that their primary focus remains on performing well and securing a win in the World Cup game. She added that they plan to celebrate their journey together as players and as a team after the match.

“To think together we have played 650 internationals for the White Ferns is kinda unbelievable and we want to make sure we finish that game on a good note so we can celebrate. We will recognise it’s a special day, but our focus is on making sure we win that game and play well,” Bates said.

“Yeah, there’s probably a little bit of embarrassment from both of us. We just feel that when we celebrate these milestones, it’s just because we’re getting old. But I know after the game, Sophie and I will sit and reminisce on how far we’ve come, not only as players together throughout this career, but as a team."

New Zealand Women Opt to Bat First After Winning Toss

New Zealand endured a challenging start to the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025, falling short against defending champions Australia by 89 runs. Sophie Devine won the toss and opted to bat first for the ongoing match. They picked the same lineup for the match in Indore.

South Africa Women (Playing XI): Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Marizanne Kapp, Anneke Bosch, Sinalo Jafta (w), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khaka, Nonkululeko Mlaba

New Zealand Women (Playing XI): Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (w), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing

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