New Zealand Replaces Injured Devonshire with Rowe in Women's World Cup

New Zealand's all-rounder Flora Devonshire has been ruled out of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 due to a hand injury sustained during a training session, which will sideline her for several weeks. Devonshire, 22, who had yet to make her ODI debut but impressed domestically, missed the opening match against Australia which New Zealand lost by 89 runs. To replace her, experienced seamer Hannah Rowe, 29, who has played 60 ODIs and taken 65 wickets, has been called up and is expected to join the squad ahead of their match against Bangladesh on October 10. Head coach Ben Sawyer expressed disappointment over Devonshire's injury but welcomed Rowe's inclusion, noting she brings an all-round skillset and experience in sub-continent conditions, though she is not a like-for-like replacement. New Zealand will aim to secure their first win of the tournament in upcoming matches, including against South Africa and Bangladesh. The loss of Devonshire is considered a significant setback for the team midway through the competition.