The White Ferns might be on the verge of a T20 series win over Australia but their otherwise poor form this summer appears to have taken its toll on skipper Sophie Devine.
Devine pulled out of last night's nail biting last ball win over Australia just hours before the match started with New Zealand Criket saying she was unwell but in a statement now says she's suffering from "fatigue...(and)didn't think she could do justic to the team or herself."
Photo: PHOTOSPORT
With the White Ferns underperforming this summer and losing series to England who toured here and Australia in Australia, Devine's captaincy has come under pressure with calls for her to stand down from the leadership role.
But Devine last week said she would not be stepping down - although the debate is seemingly taking a toll.
The NZ Cricket statement said "after an extensive season..Sophie will look at how she can best balance her cricket commitments with the need to rest and recover over the coming days."
Devine will remain with the side but no decision has been made as to whether she will play in Friday's decider with coach Bob Carter saying they are "taking a wait and see approach" with Devine getting support from New Zealand Cricket and the Players Association.
"Simply put at time like this we always need to focus on what our people need to be at their best and cricket must come second," said Carter.
-RNZ