new zealand all-rounder sophie devine has been named captain of birmingham phoenix’s women’s team for the hundred.
devine recently captained the white ferns in the icc women’s t20 world cup in australia and is currently ranked the number one all-rounder in the icc t20 international (t20i) rankings, having contributed 2,384 runs, at a strike rate of 126.4, as well as taking 87 wickets in her 91 t20i appearances.
the new zealander won player of the tournament in the 2019/20 women’s big bash league after scoring 769 runs and taking 19 wickets for adelaide strikers. she boasts experience from the kia super league with loughborough lightning and yorkshire diamonds, in addition to spending 2017 and 2018 with warwickshire women.
ben sawyer, birmingham phoenix women’s team head coach, said: “sophie was the first international player we selected for birmingham phoenix and i’ve always admired the way she goes about her game. she’s an outstanding bowler and her batting is just as good, as demonstrated in the recent women’s big bash league where she reinforced her position as one of the world’s best.
“having seen a lot of her with new zealand, it’s clear that she is a natural leader and her experience in the international arena, and with warwickshire, makes her the ideal candidate to lead birmingham phoenix. i have no doubt that she will do a great job.”
devine will lead birmingham phoenix in the women’s competition opener, at home to manchester originals at New Road, worcester, on wednesday 22 july. they will also take to the field at edgbaston to face southern brave as part of the double header day with the men’s team, before returning to New Road for their final home match versus london spirit on sunday 9 august.
a special priority window for tickets to standalone women’s matches in the hundred is now open until monday 6 march. for more information on the hundred and to sign up for priority tickets, visit thehundred.com
