New Zealand Women expect fully fit Sophie Devine for tournament opener

Sophie Devine in action [Source: Twitter]

In encouraging news, New Zealand Women are expecting a 'fully fit' Sophie Devine for their ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 opener on Saturday. Devine is currently nursing a foot injury she suffered during the T20 Super Smash competition, while playing for the Wellington Blaze.

The injury forced Devine to miss New Zealand's three-match T20I practice series against England. Opening batter Suzie Bates, speaking to the media, said that Devine could feature in Wednesday's warm-up match and be fully fit come February 11.

Here's what Bates said

"She's been making really good progress. She's been doing a lot more every day and I think the plan is that she will have a go on Wednesday (against England),

"I'm not sure if she'll play the entire match, but the plan is to have her fully fit for that Australian match."

It is still unclear if Devine will be able to bowl during the course of the tournament. 

In their first warm-up against West Indies, New Zealand won by 32 runs, helped by Maddy Green's 47, and Melie Kerr's three-wicket haul. 

The White Ferns are placed in Group A alongside Australia, South Africa, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. 

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