In a clinical all-round display, New Zealand Women defeated Bangladesh Women by 100 runs to register their first win of the ongoing World Cup.
After posting a competitive 227/9 in 50 overs, led by composed fifties from Sophie Devine (63 off 85) and Brooke Halliday (69 off 104), the hosts bowled out Bangladesh for 127 in 39.5 overs. A disciplined bowling attack, spearheaded by Jess Kerr (3/21 from 8 overs) and Lea Tahuhu (3/22 from 6 overs), ensured New Zealand’s dominance throughout. Brooke Halliday was adjudged Player of the Match for her impactful all-round contribution.
Sophie Devine – New Zealand
Skipper Sophie Devine played a crucial anchor’s role, scoring 63 off 85 balls with 2 fours and 2 six, providing the backbone of New Zealand’s innings. Walking in early, she steadied the side after early wickets and built vital partnerships through the middle overs. Her innings balanced caution with aggression, ensuring New Zealand reached a defendable total. Devine also contributed with the ball, picking up 1 wicket for 3 runs in her single over, maintaining pressure during Bangladesh’s chase.
Brooke Halliday – New Zealand
Brooke Halliday delivered a match-winning performance, top-scoring with 69 off 104 balls that guided New Zealand from a precarious position to a solid total of 227. Her innings was a masterclass in patience and rotation of strike, blending well-timed boundaries with smart running between the wickets. Later, she bowled economically, conceding just 8 runs in 2 overs, further underlining her value as a dependable all-rounder. Her composed batting under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award.
Rabeya Khan – Bangladesh
Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, delivering a superb spell of 10-1-30-3. She broke the backbone of New Zealand’s middle order by removing Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr and Maddy Green with her bowling and she ran out Jess Kerr with her sharp fielding. Her control, variations, and consistency on a surface offering turn were instrumental in restricting New Zealand to a modest total. Rabeya’s spell was the biggest positive for Bangladesh in an otherwise tough outing.
Lea Tahuhu – New Zealand
Veteran pacer Lea Tahuhu provided the finishing touches with both bat and ball. She smashed a quickfire 12* off 4 balls (1 four and 1 six) at the death, injecting vital momentum into New Zealand’s innings. With the ball, she was equally lethal, claiming 3 wickets for 22 runs in 6 overs, including the key dismissals of Sumaiya Akter, Shorna Akter, and Nishita Akter Nishi. Her pace and precision dismantled Bangladesh’s middle order and ensured a commanding win for her side.
Jess Kerr – New Zealand
Jess Kerr starred with the ball, producing an exceptional spell of 8 overs, 1 maiden, 21 runs, 3 wickets. Her accuracy and movement off the seam troubled the Bangladesh batters throughout, as she dismissed Rubya Haider, Sobhana Mostary, and Rabeya Khan. Earlier, she was unfortunate to be run out for a duck, but she more than made up for it with her brilliant bowling performance that set up New Zealand’s victory.
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