Picture Credit: Twitter
In a big blow to New Zealand in their ongoing Women's World Cup campaign, skipper Sophie Devine was injured and forced to retire while batting in Sunday's clash against England Women. Devine later did not return on the field and it was Amy Satterthwaite who led the White Ferns in her absence. However, New Zealand Women could not defend their total of 203 runs successfully and succumbed to a 1-wicket defeat in quite the most exciting battle between bat and ball.
Devine sustained what looks like a rather serious injury when she apparently pulled up sore while attempting to turn for the second run on the first ball of the 15th over at the Eden Park. However, the seasoned campaigner immediately knew that she had injured herself and could not continue her innings despite receiving medical treatment for a back injury on the ground.
Devine was looking in great nick when she got injured
It is pertinent to note that Devine was looking in great nick during her stay at the wicket and had already accumulated 37 from 42 balls as the hosts were looking to get to add more runs than they eventually ended up getting. Had it not been for this injury, even the result of the game could have been different.
While Devine had returned to the crease after receiving treatment and came to bat when Lea Tahuhu fell for a duck in the 38th over with the Kiwis reeling at 155/6, she could not continue from where she had left and did not last long, getting out for 41.
This was a must-win game for both sides and a win has virtually ruled New Zealand Women out of the tournament. Whiley they are still mathematically alive, it would need nothing short of a miracle for the White Ferns to proceed further from here.