New Zealand Women produced a gritty batting display followed by clinical bowling to crush Bangladesh Women by 100 runs in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash at Baraspara Stadium, Guwahati, on Friday.
After a shaky start at 35/3, skipper Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday combined for a 112-run fourth-wicket partnership, stabilising the innings and guiding New Zealand to 227/9 in 50 overs. Their stand came on a sluggish pitch, making their composure all the more crucial.
Really pleasing for this side to finally get on the board, in tough circumstances. Was not the prettiest innings from me and Brooke. Then the bowlers took charge.
Devine also revealed the personal challenges she faced during the match. “Diabetes was not playing ball. Was running low on sugar, tried to get in as much sugar with coke and jelly beans. Just another challenge in conditions that are already tough enough. Wanted to get off a couple of overs earlier, but Maddy chewed my ears off asking me to stay on.”
Bowlers Dominate as Bangladesh Falter
New Zealand’s bowlers ensured Bangladesh never recovered from the target. Veteran Lea Tahuhu impressed with her ability to attack the stumps and keep the pressure on, while newcomer Mair made a notable impact with seam movement.
Really exciting to welcome Mair back into the side. Her ability to move it off the seam and attack the stumps… Tahuhu just keeps surprising me. Ability to put pressure on the batters. She lost about six kilos judging by the sweat (smiles).
The win marked New Zealand’s first triumph of the tournament, lifting them to fifth on the points table.
After the game against Australia, felt we were good in places. South Africa game was disappointing. This was important. As we saw last night, anyone can beat anyone. Run-rate, with the weather around, every point is absolute gold. Have to focus on the next game. Cannot control what else happens.
Bangladesh Struggle in Chase
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana admitted her side failed to replicate the consistency needed to chase a 200-plus target.
Whatever we have done in the last game, we wanted to do the same good things here. We are not being consistent as a batting unit. When you chase 200-plus, and top order does not click, it is difficult to chase this sort of target. Initially, we bowled really well. What we expect from Marufa, we did not get today. Other bowlers bowled wonderfully. All the spinners have done really well.
Bangladesh’s top order struggled, and despite strong bowling from the spinners, the chase proved too steep against a well-rounded New Zealand side.
Looking Ahead for New Zealand
The win gives New Zealand a crucial boost in the points table and confidence as they look to build momentum in the tournament. With Devine and Halliday in form and the bowlers firing, they will aim to carry this performance into their next encounter.
