On , at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati, the New Zealand Women's National Cricket Team, better known as the White Ferns, secured a 100‑run victory over Bangladesh Women's National Cricket Team in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025India & Sri Lanka. It was the White Ferns’ first win after two opening defeats, and it moved them up to fifth place in the group.
Match overview
After winning the toss and choosing to bat, New Zealand posted 227/9 in their 50‑over innings. The total looked shaky at 38‑3 early on, but a recovery spearheaded by Sophie Devine (63 off 85) and opener Brooke Halliday (69 off 104) turned the tide.
Bangladesh, bowled out for 127 in 39.5 overs, never recovered from a catastrophic 33/6 collapse inside the first 14 overs. Their top‑order, led by Fahima Khatun (34), offered only fleeting resistance.
Batting performance – New Zealand’s comeback
Early wickets left the White Ferns staring at a modest target. Devine, the 35‑year‑old captain, anchored the innings with a composed knock, mixing drives and sweeps to keep the run‑rate healthy. Halliday, at 28, provided aggression with seven boundaries, and together they forged a 121‑run partnership that steadied the ship.
Middle‑order contributions came from Jess Kerr (though better known for her swing bowling, she chipped in 26 runs) and Leah Tahuhu, who added quick singles down the tail.
In contrast, Bangladesh’s innings stumbled. Opening bowler Amelia Kerr removed captain Nigar Sultana Joty early, and the pressure never eased.
Bowling dominance – pace and precision
New Zealand’s seam attack was relentless. Jess Kerr and Leah Tahuhu each stripped three wickets, exploiting the early moisture on the Guwahati pitch. Rosemary Mair followed with two crucial breakthroughs.
Young fast bowler Amelia Kerr (22) dismissed Joty for a duck, while Eden Carson (24) claimed Fahima Khatun, sealing the final wicket.
The disciplined line‑and‑length left the Bangladesh batters unable to settle, resulting in a sub‑150 total that New Zealand chased without trouble.
Tournament implications – turning the tables
With two points from their win, the White Ferns leap‑frogged Bangladesh to sit fifth in the eight‑team round‑robin. Australia and South Africa continue to dominate the top spots, but New Zealand’s resurgence injects fresh drama into the chase for the semi‑finals.
Bangladesh, now with two losses from three matches, remains in fifth place – a precarious position. Their next encounter against South Africa on in Visakhapatnam will be a must‑win if they hope to stay alive.
Upcoming fixtures
- Bangladesh vs South Africa – , Visakhapatnam, India.
- New Zealand vs Sri Lanka – , Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Final of the CWC25 scheduled for at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
Background – the 12th edition of the Women’s World Cup
The ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 is the 12th instalment of the premier women’s tournament, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka. Eight nations – Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan – compete in a single‑round robin, with the top four advancing to the semi‑finals.
New Zealand Cricket, headquartered in Wellington, has been vocal about the importance of consistency after a rocky start to the campaign. Captain Sophie Devine has now recorded three consecutive half‑centuries, a feat that reflects her experience and adaptability.
Bangladesh Cricket Board, based in Mirpur, Dhaka, faces criticism over the team’s inability to handle quality pace. Analysts point to a lack of exposure to fast‑bowling conditions as a key weakness, something the board hopes to address ahead of the upcoming Asian qualifiers.
Key take‑aways for fans
For the casual viewer, the match showcased how quickly a game can swing – early collapses followed by partnership rebuilds, and how disciplined bowling can dismantle any batting lineup.
For the pundits, New Zealand’s bounce‑back highlights the depth of their squad, while Bangladesh’s struggle underscores the gulf that still exists between emerging and established sides in women’s cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect New Zealand’s chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
The victory lifts the White Ferns to fifth place with two points, keeping them within striking distance of the fourth‑place slot. A win against Sri Lanka on October 14 could propel them into the top four, depending on other results.
What were the standout performances from the New Zealand side?
Captain Sophie Devine’s 63 and opener Brooke Halliday’s 69 anchored the chase. On the bowling front, Jess Kerr and Leah Tahuhu each claimed three wickets, while Rosemary Mair added two, collectively dismantling Bangladesh’s batting.
Why did Bangladesh struggle so much with New Zealand’s pace attack?
Bangladesh’s batters are accustomed to slower, spin‑friendly conditions at home. The Guwahati pitch offered seam and swing, exposing a technical deficiency against quality fast bowling – a gap highlighted by early wickets of Nigar Sultana Joty and Fahima Khatun.
When and where is New Zealand’s next match?
The White Ferns face Sri Lanka on at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
What does this result mean for the overall tournament schedule?
With New Zealand back on the winning trail and Bangladesh looking to recover, the next round of matches will be decisive in shaping the semi‑final lineup. The final is set for at the R. Premadasa Stadium.
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