Guwahati: Buoyed by her team’s first win in the ongoing Women’s World Cup here on Friday, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine expressed hopes of a turnaround for the White Ferns in the tournament and cited South Africa’s stunning victory over India.
Coming off losses to Australia (by 89 runs) and South Africa (by 6 wickets), New Zealand crushed Bangladesh by 100 runs here to record their first win in three matches, which took them to the fifth spot in the points table.
“Really pleasing for the side to open our account after a couple of frustrating games. We were good against Australia in certain phases but lost our way against South Africa,” Devine told the broadcaster.
A strong batting effort from Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, followed by excellent bowling, helped New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 100 runs in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match at Baraspara Stadium, Guwahati, on Friday. This was New Zealand’s first win of the tournament, moving them up to fifth in the points table.
New Zealand chose to bat first on a slow pitch and scored 227/9 in 50 overs. Devine and Halliday played key roles, putting together a crucial 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket after the team had slipped to 35/3. Their calm and smart batting helped rebuild the innings.
Halliday was the top scorer with a smooth 69 from 104 balls, while captain Devine made 63 from 85 balls her second fifty in a row in this World Cup.
Earlier, Suzie Bates gave New Zealand a steady start before being run out for 29 due to a mix-up. Georgia Plimmer (4) and Amelia Kerr (1) got out early, giving Bangladesh the early advantage. But the stand between Devine and Halliday brought stability. After their dismissal, Maddy Green (25), Isabella Gaze (12), Lea Tahuhu (12), and Eden Carson (4) added useful runs at the end to push the score past 220.
Bangladesh’s bowling had some bright moments. Young leg-spinner Rabeya Khan was the standout, taking 3 wickets for 30 runs in her 10 overs. Marufa Akter (1-58), Nahida Akter (1-36), Nishita Akter Nishi (1-47), and Fahima Khatun (1-37) also got wickets, though the fast bowlers gave away too many runs late in the innings.
Chasing 228, Bangladesh’s batting couldn’t handle the pressure from New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr struck early, leaving Bangladesh at 26/3 during the powerplay. Fahima Khatun top-scored with 34, while Rabeya Khan (25) and Nahida Akter (17) were the only others to reach double digits. The team was bowled out for 127 in 39.5 overs.
Jess Kerr bowled brilliantly, taking 3 for 21 in 8 overs. Lea Tahuhu, playing her 100th ODI, also took 3 wickets for 22 runs in 6 overs. Mair was solid with 2 for 20, while spinners Amelia Kerr (1-23) and Eden Carson (1-13) finished the job, ending the match in the 40th over.
Brief scores:
New Zealand: 227/9 in 50 overs (Brooke Halliday 69, Sophie Devine 63; Rabeya Khan 3-30, Nahida Akter 1-36)
Bangladesh: 127 all out in 39.5 overs (Fahima Khatun 34, Rabeya Khan 25; Jess Kerr 3-21, Lea Tahuhu 3-22)
Result: New Zealand won by 100 runs
