Guwahati, October 10, 2025 — Bangladesh’s spirited bowling effort went in vain as New Zealand’s experienced campaigners Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday anchored a recovery that powered the White Ferns to a 100-run win in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.
After an encouraging start with the ball, Bangladesh once again struggled to sustain pressure through the middle overs and later failed to build partnerships in the chase — a pattern that continues to haunt the Tigresses on cricket’s biggest stage.
Early Breakthroughs Give Hope
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bowl first on a slow surface and immediately put New Zealand under strain. Off-spinner Rabeya Khan (3/30) struck twice, while left-arm spinner Nahida Akter (1/36) maintained a tight line to keep the batters guessing. Suzie Bates (29) was run out following a mix-up, and both Georgia Plimmer (4) and Amelia Kerr (1) departed cheaply.
At 35 for 3, it looked like Bangladesh might restrict New Zealand below 180. But what followed was a lesson in composure and experience.
Devine and Halliday Turn the Tide
Captain Sophie Devine, the tournament’s in-form batter, and Brooke Halliday absorbed the pressure brilliantly. They refused risky shots against Bangladesh’s spinners and instead focused on rotating the strike. Their fourth-wicket partnership of 112 runs slowly shifted momentum.
Devine (63 off 85) and Halliday (69 off 104) batted with patience, waiting until the final 10 overs to accelerate. By then, the tired Bangladeshi attack struggled to contain boundaries, and New Zealand pushed their total to 227 for 9.
Despite disciplined spells from Rabeya, Nahida and Fahima Khatun (1/37), the bowlers received little help from the fielders, as a couple of missed chances and overthrows hurt the team’s chances of containing New Zealand below 200.
Bangladesh Batters Fail to Fire
The chase began poorly and never recovered. Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr swung the new ball effectively, dismantling Bangladesh’s top order within the powerplay. From 26 for 3, the innings never gained rhythm.
Fahima Khatun (34), Rabeya Khan (25), and Nahida Akter (17) offered resistance, but no partnership lasted long enough to threaten the target. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 127 in 39.5 overs.
Captain’s Candid Reflection
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty admitted after the match that her side’s batting inconsistency remains a major concern.
“We bowled well early, but leaked too many runs at the back end,” she said. “Our batters are not converting starts. Against stronger teams, we must build partnerships if we want to compete.”
She also pointed out Bangladesh’s lack of exposure against top-ranked sides.
“We only play them during ICC tournaments. That lack of experience shows. The bowlers have been consistent — now the batters need to step up.”
Devine’s Determination
Sophie Devine, who was named Player of the Match, praised her team’s resilience after two close defeats earlier in the tournament. She revealed that she had struggled physically during her innings due to low sugar levels — a challenge linked to her diabetes — but said it made the win “even more satisfying.”
“It wasn’t easy out there,” Devine said. “Bangladesh bowled really well early. But we knew if we batted deep, we could put up a good total.”
Bangladesh’s Path Forward
The defeat leaves Bangladesh in a precarious position in Group B, with their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Their bowling has impressed — Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter have been among the most economical in the tournament — but the batting lineup has yet to find rhythm.
Cricket analysts say Bangladesh’s approach needs recalibration. The top order must show intent early while maintaining wickets, especially against pace and spin combinations.
For New Zealand, the win keeps their semi-final hopes alive, though the team remains heavily dependent on Devine, who has scored nearly 40 percent of their total runs in the competition.
As the World Cup heads into its second week, Bangladesh will next face South Africa — a must-win encounter if they are to stay in contention.
