It sucks, but I’m proud: Sophie Devine prepares for ODI swansong after WC heartbreak

New Zealand's loss to India on Thursday not only ended their campaign at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup but also confirmed that Sunday’s final league stage game against already-qualified England would be legendary skipper Sophie Devine’s final appearance in ODI cricket.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

It was a bitter farewell for the veteran batter, who has been the heart of New Zealand women’s cricket for over a decade. Yet amid the disappointment, there was pride in her teammates, in the younger players stepping up, and in the journey the side had undertaken.

“Tdon't really want to think too much about it because I probably get quite emotional around it,” Devine admitted, fighting back tears. “But the way those girls went out there today... I'm incredibly proud of where this team's going. When you think about the likes of Izzy [Gaze], Brooke [Halliday], Melie Kerr, Eden Carson, the way that they're starting to really grow into themselves, it certainly makes it easier when I step away after the next game, not before,” she said.

“It is sort of [you feel] a bit likea proud mother; sheadded. “You've been involved in this side and New Zealand cricket for so long that you're so invested. I'm going to gothrough afew different emotions over the next couple of days, but well take time to reflect on that.”

New Zealand’s campaign ended with more questions than answers. Their must-win clash against India in Navi Mumbai slipped away after a strong start with the ball.

Choosing to bowl first on a humid afternoon, they initially kept India quiet in the powerplay but soon lost control as Smriti Mandhanaand Pratika Rawal took charge.

A DLS-adjusted target of 325 in 44 overs left the White Ferns chasing a near-impossible total. Despite fighting half-centuries from Brooke Halliday and Izzy Gaze, the chase fizzled out well short.