New Zealand’s campaign in the Women’s World Cup 2025 has hit a rocky start, with the team finding themselves on the back foot after losing their first two matches to Australia and South Africa. Despite exceptional performances from captain Sophie Devine, who has contributed a remarkable 42% of the team’s runs, the White Ferns are yet to secure a win. A six-month hiatus from ODIs before the tournament appears to have caused significant rustiness, which is evident in their struggles for fluency in both batting and bowling. Warm-up losses to India and India A further underscored these preparation issues. Beyond Devine, the batting lineup has struggled for consistency, and the bowling attack has lacked the necessary sharpness. Compounding these problems were seven critical misfields against South Africa, pointing to an overall undercooked performance.
In contrast, Bangladesh enters this encounter brimming with confidence. They’ve already made a statement by stunning Pakistan and pushing England to a tight finish, demonstrating their capability to compete with top teams. Although their batting hasn’t consistently fired, their bowlers have been remarkably reliable. Marufa Akter has been particularly impactful with the new ball, while the spin trio of Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Nahida Akter has maintained excellent control in the middle overs. These spinners will find conditions in Guwahati much to their liking, as a staggering 75% of wickets in the tournament so far have fallen to spin. With New Zealand’s lineup featuring only one left-hander, Brooke Halliday, Bangladesh’s potent spin attack is poised to pose a significant challenge to the Kiwi batters.
New Zealand desperately needs its top order to fire, especially Suzie Bates, who has struggled with two consecutive ducks. Amelia Kerr has emphasized the importance of discipline against spin and quick adaptation to the local conditions. Adding an emotional layer to the match, fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will celebrate her 100th ODI.
Ahead of the match, Nigar Sultana Joty, the captain of Bangladesh Women, expressed satisfaction with bowling first, citing her bowlers’ excellent form and viewing it as a prime opportunity for a win. She confirmed two changes to her side. Sophie Devine, captain of New Zealand Women, confirmed they would bat first on a used wicket, confident in setting a strong total. She noted that while many aspects have gone well, better execution for longer periods is essential. New Zealand made one change, bringing in Rosemary Mair for Bree Illing.
Playing XIs:
Bangladesh Women: Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana Joty (C/WK), Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi.
New Zealand Women: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine (C), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Izzy Gaze (WK), Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson.
TOSS: New Zealand Women won the toss and elected to bat first.
Key Players to Watch:
Several players are poised to influence the outcome of this contest. For New Zealand, captain Sophie Devine remains a crucial anchor in their batting, but veterans like Suzie Bates and Brooke Halliday must find form and provide much-needed support. Amelia Kerr’s all-round abilities will also be vital to their success. On the Bangladesh side, Marufa Akter’s new-ball prowess will be key for early breakthroughs, while the spin trio of Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, and Rabeya Khan could prove decisive in controlling the middle overs and picking up wickets. The spin-friendly pitch in Guwahati and the potential for rain add another layer of tactical intrigue, making patience and judicious shot selection against spin absolutely critical. Lea Tahuhu’s 100th ODI adds an emotional element to New Zealand’s resolve, while Bangladesh is eager to make history by securing their first-ever ODI win against the Kiwis.