What Led to New Zealand's 100-Run Victory Over Bangladesh in the Women's World Cup?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday led New Zealand's batting.
- Bangladesh struggled against disciplined bowling.
- New Zealand’s win boosts their morale in the tournament.
- Key partnerships were crucial for New Zealand's total.
- Young talent like Rabeya Khan shows promise for Bangladesh.
Guwahati, Oct 10 (NationPress) A determined batting performance from Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, complemented by a precise bowling display, led New Zealand to a decisive 100-run victory against Bangladesh in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 match at Baraspara Stadium, Guwahati, on Friday. This victory marked New Zealand’s inaugural win of the tournament, propelling them to fifth position on the points table.
Opting to bat first on a challenging surface, New Zealand accumulated 227/9 in their full quota of 50 overs, thanks to a resilient 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket between Devine and Halliday. After a rocky start at 35/3, the duo effectively steadied the innings.
Halliday emerged as the top scorer with a commendable 69 off 104 balls, while captain Devine provided solid support with 63 off 85 deliveries, marking her second consecutive fifty in the tournament.
Previously, Suzie Bates gave a stable start before a mix-up led to her run-out for 29. Georgia Plimmer (4) and Amelia Kerr (1) fell cheaply, allowing Bangladesh to take early control. However, the partnership between Devine and Halliday steadied the White Ferns before both were dismissed while attempting to accelerate. Late innings contributions from Maddy Green (25), Isabella Gaze (12), Lea Tahuhu (12), and Eden Carson (4) helped push the total past 220.
Bangladesh’s bowlers showed flashes of brilliance, especially young leg-spinner Rabeya Khan, who took 3-30 in her 10 overs. She received support from Marufa Akter (1-58), Nahida Akter (1-36), Nishita Akter Nishi (1-47), and Fahima Khatun (1-37), although the fast bowlers struggled towards the end of the innings.
In response, Bangladesh’s batting crumbled under continuous pressure from the New Zealand bowlers. Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr struck early blows, reducing Bangladesh to 26/3 within the powerplay. Fahima Khatun fought valiantly with a score of 34, while Rabeya Khan (25) and Nahida Akter (17) were the only other players to reach double figures, as Bangladesh was all out for 127 in 39.5 overs.
Jess Kerr was exceptional with figures of 3-21 in 8 overs, while Lea Tahuhu, celebrating her 100th ODI, matched her with 3-22 in 6 overs. Mair made a remarkable return with 2-20, and spinners Amelia Kerr (1-23) and Eden Carson (1-13) wrapped up the innings, securing a comprehensive victory in the 40th over.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 227/9 in 50 overs (Brooke Halliday 69, Sophie Devine 63; Rabeya Khan 3-30, Nahida Akter 1-36) beat Bangladesh 127 all out in 39.5 overs (Fahima Khatun 34, Rabeya Khan 25; Jess Kerr 3-21, Lea Tahuhu 3-22) by 100 runs