New Zealand secured a convincing 100-run victory over Bangladesh in their Women’s World Cup encounter, showcasing exceptional performances from Brooke Halliday and captain Sophie Devine, followed by a strong bowling display.
The White Ferns, opting to bat first, posted a challenging total of 227 for nine. Their innings saw a crucial recovery after early setbacks, largely due to a magnificent 112-run fourth-wicket partnership between Halliday and Devine.
New Zealand’s start was shaky, losing Georgia Pimmer for 4, Suzie Bates for 29, and Amelia Kerr within the initial 10.5 overs, leaving them struggling at 38 for three.
Devine contributed a solid 63 runs, while Halliday played an impressive knock of 69, meticulously rebuilding the innings with their vital partnership.
In response, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered, ultimately being dismissed for a mere 127 runs in 39.5 overs, falling significantly short of the target.
The Bangladesh innings faced an immediate collapse, with five wickets falling by the 14th over for just 30 runs.
Several key Bangladesh batters, including Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, and Shoma Akter, struggled to make any significant contributions against the relentless New Zealand bowlers.
The most substantial partnership for Bangladesh came from Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan, who managed to add 44 runs for the eighth wicket. Khatun scored 34, and Khan added 25.
New Zealand’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, both claiming three wickets each, conceding only 21 and 22 runs, respectively. Rosemary Mair also made a significant impact, securing two wickets for 20 runs.
The early struggles for New Zealand began with Georgia Plimmer’s dismissal, caught by wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana off Rabeya Khan, who was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler, finishing with three wickets for 30 runs.
Halliday celebrated her half-century with a boundary over mid-on off Nishita Akhter, later adding a six over wide long-on against Shorna Akhter.
Devine, playing a more calculated innings, hit her first boundary in the 38th over, demonstrating patience and strategic stroke play.
Halliday’s impressive innings of 69 runs, which included five fours and a six from 104 balls, concluded when she was caught behind by Sultana.
Devine achieved her third consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament, reaching the milestone with a powerful six over long-on, followed by another maximum in the very next delivery.
Her innings concluded at 63 runs from 85 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, when she was bowled by Nishita while attempting another aggressive shot.
The New Zealand innings wrapped up with a late contribution from Maddy Green, whose dismissal, along with Jess Kerr’s in consecutive deliveries, marked the close of their batting effort.