New Zealand Women secured their first victory in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup with a dominant 100-run win over Bangladesh at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. After consecutive losses to Australia and South Africa, the White Ferns bounced back strongly, displaying both resilience and skill in a comprehensive team performance.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand suffered early setbacks, losing three wickets for just 38 runs. However, captain Sophie Devine steadied the innings with a composed 63, combining patience with timely aggression to rebuild the batting effort. She received crucial support from Brooke Halliday, who top-scored with 69, as the duo shared a 112-run partnership that lifted New Zealand to a competitive total of 227 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Their partnership was marked by clever placement, rotation of strike, and the ability to capitalize on loose deliveries, setting a strong platform for the bowlers.
Bangladesh’s chase, however, faltered from the outset. Despite a determined 34 from Fahima Khatun, the batting line-up struggled to cope with the disciplined New Zealand attack. Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu led the bowling charge, claiming three wickets each and consistently troubling the batters with accurate lines and lengths. Kerr finished with figures of 3 for 21, while Tahuhu’s 3 for 22 helped dismantle Bangladesh for just 127 in 39.5 overs. The visitors’ collapse under pressure highlighted the effectiveness of New Zealand’s bowling strategies and fielding support, with the team remaining sharp and proactive throughout the innings.
The victory provided New Zealand with much-needed points in the tournament and demonstrated the depth of talent within the squad. Both the batting and bowling units showed they could recover from setbacks, maintain composure, and execute plans under pressure. The White Ferns’ ability to adapt during challenging phases of the match underlined their potential as strong contenders in the ongoing World Cup.
For Bangladesh, the loss highlighted areas that need improvement, particularly in handling disciplined pace and spin bowling in pressure situations. While there were glimpses of skill and determination, the team will need to regroup and focus on building partnerships, rotating strike effectively, and countering disciplined bowling attacks in upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, New Zealand will aim to build on the momentum from this comprehensive win. The performance offers confidence in both individual and collective abilities and sets a positive tone for the remainder of their World Cup campaign. The White Ferns have shown that they can bounce back from early setbacks, maintain focus, and deliver balanced performances across departments, making them a team to watch in the competition.
Ultimately, this 100-run victory over Bangladesh marks a turning point for New Zealand Women in the tournament, providing a platform to gain further confidence, sharpen strategies, and continue competing at a high level in pursuit of World Cup success.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025