Auckland [New Zealand], March 20 (ANI): New Zealand’s all-rounder Sophie Devine is looking forward to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in 2025, aiming for another victory following their success at the T20 World Cup this year. During her recent break from cricket, thoughts of retiring crossed her mind as well.

The New Zealand veteran, who most recently competed for the White Ferns in a December ODI against Australia, is scheduled to make her comeback with the national team during the upcoming T20I series against Australia. This series will start in Auckland on Friday.

At 35 years old, Devine guided New Zealand to triumph at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup recently, and she confessed that when she stepped back from cricket, the idea of retiring frequently crossed her mind.

"Totally upfront? Yes (assuming retirement crossed her mind)," Devine said to the press, according to ICC.

Absolutely. It’s necessary to go over some of these matters. Clearly, as time goes on, I’m inevitably getting older, so they naturally crossed my mind.

"But honestly, I'm thrilled to be here. My plan is to take things one day at a time and truly savor each moment spent with the White Ferns," she ended her statement.

The versatile player admitted that the forthcoming ODI World Cup, scheduled to take place in India later this year, was a significant factor in her choice to continue her career with the White Ferns. New Zealand last claimed victory in the World Cup back in 2000, and currently faces a unique chance to secure both the T20 and ODI world championships at the same time.

"We have a significant World Cup approaching later this year, which - fingers crossed - I hope to attend," Devine said additionally.

"Surely the World Cup stood out as the most significant event. I still believed that I had a bit more to offer wearing the black jersey," she went on to say.

Devine last competed in a match on January 24th, playing for Wellington in the Women's Super Smash. Nevertheless, she stressed that this break from cricket only intensified her love for the sport, clarifying that her longing to wear the White Ferns jersey had grown even more powerful.

"For me, the chance was available, yet I was also content knowing that even if my time ended, I would be satisfied with how things went. However, seeing those young players recently has definitely left an intense desire within me that remains unfulfilled," he finished.

The upcoming T20I series between New Zealand and Australia will commence on March 21 over three matches. (ANI)