White Ferns captain Sophie Devine will become the third New Zealand women's cricketer to play 100 Twenty20 internationals when she leads her side out in the second T20I against England at Hove tomorrow morning (NZ time).
Photo: Matthew Impey/Photosport Ltd 2021
Devine will join Amy Satterthwaite and Suzie Bates, as well as Black Caps Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor as the only players to reach the milestone for New Zealand.
"I don't really know how to put into words," Devine said.
"I think as a kid growing up and even when you're in the team you're just so chuffed to play one game and represent your country, not only for your country but for your family, your friends and everyone who has helped you on your journey.
"Perspective is something that's really important to me, and for me to be able to step back and to look back on my career and the opportunities that I've been given, I think it's really humbling to be in a position to be able to play a hundred times for my country and it's something I don't take for granted."
Devine has charted a path as an influential player in the T20 game since she made her international debut against Australia in 2006.
Since then, she has amassed 94 T20 international wickets and 2,476 T20 international runs, including the second highest ever New Zealand women's T20 score of 105 against South Africa at the Basin Reserve last year.
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
She is the sixth highest all-time leading women's T20 run scorer and also holds the record for the fastest ever women's T20 century off just 36 balls for the Wellington Blaze in the Super Smash.
White Ferns head coach Bob Carter highlighted the value that Devine's experience brings to the younger players in the team.
"To play 100 T20 internationals is pretty special," Carter said.
"Sophie's had so much success within the game, and she wants to mark that 100th T20 international with a big performance.
"It's very good having senior players of that experience around the group and that can only benefit us moving forward."
England dominated the first T20I in Chelmsford, winning by 46 runs.
The second match in Hove is scheduled to start at 6am on Sunday (NZT).