End of an era: New Zealand's Sophie Devine ends ODI career

The skipper and fellow seniors Suzie Bates and Leah Tahuhu played their last ODI World Cup

- Samreen Razzaqui

NEW DELHI: New Zealand’s World Cup campaign never caught any momentum, and it ended in subdued fashion on Sunday with an eight-wicket loss to England in Visakhapatnam. It also was occasion for a quiet adieu for three of New Zealand's greats Sophie Devine, Suzie Bates and Leah Tahuhu, women who have defined an era of White Ferns cricket.

For over a decade, they've been a constant — fierce competitors, loyal teammates, and the binding factor in a team that has lived through change, triumph and heartbreak. Together, they've carried New Zealand cricket from days when women’s games were thinly attended to the present time when they draw large crowds.

This campaign was meant to be their last chance to make an impact in an ODI World Cup. Instead, it has been a campaign of missed chances and wash outs. However, within that there's been a quiet dignity that has always defined the trio - playing with heart even when the odds are against them.

Devine, 36, had the time to process her exit because she announced her decision a while ago. Bates, 38, and Tahuhu, 35 haven't officially called time on their international careers, but this is definitely their last ODI World Cup.