Sophie Devine retires hurt with back problem in key World Cup clash

New Zealand's captain was batting nicely when she pulled up suddenly as she turned for a second run

Sophie Devine was forced to retire hurt while batting for New Zealand in their crucial Women's World Cup encounter against England after suffering from back pain.

The hosts' captain looked in fine touch, unbeaten on 37 from just 42 balls, when she pulled up sharply as she turned for a second run at the non-striker's end.

After a prolonged period of treatment, she left the field alongside White Ferns medical staff.

"Sophie experienced some soreness in her back while batting," read a statement from New Zealand issued just before the innings' halfway mark.

"She's receiving treatment now. Medical team will see how she responds to treatment before a decision is made on a return for remainder of innings."

Only Rachael Haynes has scored more runs in the tournament than Devine, who opened the competition with a hundred in a losing cause against West Indies, before following up with 93 in New Zealand's last outing against South Africa, which also ended in defeat.