New Zealand secured their first points of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 with a 100-run victory over Bangladesh in Guwahati on Friday. A crucial 112-run partnership between captain Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday rescued the White Ferns from a top-order collapse, before their seam bowlers dismantled the Bangladesh chase to seal a comprehensive win.
After being put in to bat, New Zealand were in early trouble at 38 for 3, with leg-spinner Rabeya Khan taking three key wickets. Devine, 63 and Halliday, 69 then came together to rebuild the innings with a patient and match-defining stand. Devine, who battled low glucose levels during her knock, registered her third consecutive half-century of the tournament. Late contributions from the lower order helped push New Zealand to a competitive total of 227 for 9.
In response, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered under the pressure of New Zealand’s pace attack. The top order collapsed, leaving the team struggling at 33 for 6. Seamers Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr were the chief destroyers, each claiming three wickets, while Rosemary Mair chipped in with two. The inadequacy of the chase was highlighted by the fact that extras of 30 runs ended up as the second-highest contributor to Bangladesh's total.
The batting performance was a major concern for Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 127 in 39.5 overs. None of the top five batters reached double figures, with the innings combining for just 14 runs. A late 44-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Fahima Khatun, 34 and Rabeya Khan, 25 provided some resistance but only delayed the defeat.
While leg-spinner Rabeya Khan starred with the ball for Bangladesh, their sole pace option, Marufa Akter, proved expensive and ineffective on the day. The result gives New Zealand a much-needed victory after losing their first two matches, while Bangladesh slumped to their second consecutive loss, leaving their batting unit with questions to answer for the remainder of the tournament.
