New Zealand cricket legend Sophie Devine has a maximum of seven games left to play for New Zealand and she's determined to enjoy every one of them.
The all-rounder is in England preparing for the T20 World Cup.
The White Ferns go into the tournament as defending champions , and it's an event that will mark the end for three stalwarts of the New Zealand game.
Devine, Suzie Bates and Lea Tahuhu have all confirmed that this tournament will be their last campaign for New Zealand. They were all part of New Zealand's World Cup winning side in Dubai in 2024.
The 36-year-old Devine retired from ODI's in 2025 to focus on the shortest version of the game and was the top run scorer in last month's series against England.
On Wednesday she scored 28 to help the Ferns to a five wicket win over South Africa in their final World Cup warm-up game in Loughborough.
"It's just nice to be able to just go out there and do my job," Devine said after the game.
"Whether the shackles have been broken, I wish I had found that out 10 years ago [it] would have been nice."
Devine captained New Zealand for almost six years, but handed over the reigns to Amelia Kerr following their World Cup success at the end of 2024. Since then Devine has appeared to play with more freedom.
"The team is in a really good space and for me to go out there and have fun, I want to enjoy these last few games with this group and enjoy myself and play a style of cricket that I can be really proud of."
New Zealand White Ferns captain Sophie Devine lifts the trophy as players celebrate winning the Women's T20 World Cup. 2024.
Devine feels the squad is in a good space especially after playing the series against England as a warm-up to the tournament.
"We've been here for over five weeks now and have a pretty good lay of the land. Going into the World Cup, yes we're defending champs, but everyone starts on zero so it doesn't count for too much."
New Zealand open their campaign against West Indies on Sunday before meeting Sri Lanka, Ireland, Scotland and England in their other group games.
"It's going to be a tightly fought contest and it's a cliché, but we have to make sure we take each game as it comes and focusing on what we need to do.
"It's bloody exciting, we're at a World Cup and getting to represent New Zealand. I can see us playing with a big smile on our face."
© RNZ, original at https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9._v0.KrRTFtoPsaA8nSDloPZ4KejQJr59ANQpD9ULgGwzaM0/sport/597776%2Fwhite-ferns-to-defend-their-crown-with-a-smile-as-sophie-devine-eyes-final-games
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