New Zealand all-rounder Sophie Devine emerged as one of the standout names at the inaugural Women’s Hundred auction held on March 11, 2026, securing a joint-highest bid of £210,000 from Welsh Fire. Her price matched that of Australia wicketkeeper Beth Mooney, who was signed by Trent Rockets.
With the sixth edition of the competition scheduled from July 21 to August 16, Devine reflected on the landmark moment, highlighting the rapid development of women’s cricket. She is also preparing to focus on New Zealand’s title defence at the 10th ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in England and Wales, set to take place from June 12 to July 5.
Strong WPL form boosts auction demand
Devine’s strong valuation followed an impressive showing in the fourth edition of the Women’s Premier League (WPL), where she represented Gujarat Giants. She amassed 243 runs in nine innings at a strike rate of 148.17 and an average of 30.37, including two half-centuries.
Her contributions with the ball were equally significant, as she claimed 17 wickets at an average of 16 and an economy rate of 8.28. A four-wicket haul during the campaign helped her finish as the joint-leading wicket-taker alongside India’s uncapped pacer Nandni Sharma of Delhi Capitals. The all-round display contributed to the intense bidding interest she attracted at the Hundred auction.
“Look, certainly exceeded expectations by a fair stretch,” Devine said after the auction. “The really cool thing for me is just to see where the women’s game’s gone, from back when I first started, and you got paid 30 bucks for a weekend, to some of the money that was getting thrown around. So, look, I’m certainly really privileged and grateful for the opportunity and to be snapped up.”
Focus shifts to international commitments
Devine will reunite with Gujarat Giants head coach Michael Klinger at Welsh Fire before turning her attention to international duties. She is set to feature in New Zealand’s five-match T20I series against South Africa at home from March 15 to April 4, 2026. The series will mark her return to action following her retirement from ODIs after the World Cup and her decision to step down from the captaincy.
Currently on a casual contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Devine expressed confidence in skipper Amelia Kerr, who recently led the side to whitewash victories over Zimbabwe, winning both the T20I and ODI series 3-0.
“I think it (South Africa series) is great preparation for us,” Devine noted. “I think we’ve had an excellent build-up. Obviously, we’ve had a whole heap of domestic cricket as well, then Zimbabwe. And then to take on South Africa and England before getting to the World Cup, you probably couldn’t ask for much better preparation.”
Devine also praised Kerr’s leadership during the Zimbabwe tour. “I was really impressed with the way they went about [against Zimbabwe]. I thought it was clinical. For Melie [Kerr] to lead by example, it’s probably a sign of things to come.”
Having relinquished the captaincy, Devine said the change allows her to offer support from the background while focusing on helping New Zealand pursue another World Cup title as defending champions.
