New Zealand Clinch First World Cup Win with All-Round Show Against Bangladesh
New Zealand registered their first win of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup with a commanding 100-run victory over Bangladesh on Friday. A gritty partnership between Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday rescued the White Ferns from early trouble, before their bowlers completed the job with clinical efficiency.
Having suffered back-to-back defeats against Australia and South Africa, New Zealand desperately needed a turnaround. They found it after being reduced to 38 for 3 on a challenging Guwahati surface. Legspinner Rabeya Khan had New Zealand’s top order in trouble, with her sharp turn and bounce creating havoc early on.
But Devine, known for her aggressive batting, adapted to the conditions with a patient and determined knock of 63. Halliday complemented her perfectly with a fluent 69, the duo stitching together a crucial 112-run stand that steadied the innings. Their partnership, which consumed 166 balls, laid the foundation for a competitive total.
Devine’s fifty came through gritted determination—fighting both the heat and the pitch—while Halliday brought flair and invention, especially with her sweeps that disrupted Bangladesh’s spin plans. Both batters fell in quick succession after their stand, but late cameos from Maddy Green, Lea Tahuhu, and Isabella Gaze added 49 vital runs in the final ten overs, helping New Zealand finish at 227 for 9.
In reply, Bangladesh faltered right from the outset. Their top order was dismantled by the pace and movement of Jess Kerr (3 for 21) and Rosemary Mair, who exploited the conditions superbly. Bangladesh slumped to 22 for 3 in the powerplay, including the key wicket of Sobhana Mostary, who was dismissed for just 2 after a leading edge to short third.
Lea Tahuhu (3 for 22) then took over, using her experience to great effect. Her hard lengths and seam movement fetched her two crucial middle-order wickets, reducing Bangladesh to 33 for 6. From there, it was merely a question of when, not if.
Fahima Khatun (34 off 80) offered some resistance, putting together a 44-run eighth-wicket partnership with Rabeya Khan. However, the target was always beyond reach. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 127 in 39.5 overs, falling short by 100 runs.
Despite the convincing win, New Zealand will still have concerns, especially with their inconsistent top order. While veteran Suzie Bates found some rhythm with a 29-ball 33, the continued struggles of Amelia Kerr and Georgia Plimmer during the powerplay remain a worry, especially with more spin-friendly conditions awaiting in Colombo.
For now, though, the White Ferns can breathe a sigh of relief. Their campaign is finally up and running—thanks to a captain’s knock from Devine, a smart supporting act from Halliday, and a fiery performance from their pace attack.
Score Summary:
New Zealand – 227 for 9 (Halliday 69, Devine 63, Rabeya 3-30)
Bangladesh – 127 all out in 39.5 overs (Fahima 34, Jess Kerr 3-21, Tahuhu 3-22)
Result – New Zealand won by 100 runs