New Zealand Women claimed their first win of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 by defeating Bangladesh Women comprehensively by 100 runs in a match held on October 10, 2025, at Guwahati. After a shaky start, New Zealand set a competitive total of 227/9, powered by half-centuries from Brooke Halliday and captain Sophie Devine. Their bowlers then delivered a disciplined performance to restrict Bangladesh to 127 all out, sealing a dominant victory.
The match began with New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first. The White Ferns struggled initially, losing early wickets with the score at 38/3, but Halliday and Devine steadied the innings with a crucial 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Both batters paced their innings carefully, handling the Bangladesh spin attack led by Rabeya Khan, who took 3/30. In the last 10 overs, New Zealand accelerated, scoring 74 runs to lift the total to 227.
Bangladesh’s chase was derailed quickly as their top order collapsed under pressure from New Zealand’s new-ball bowlers Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair. At one point, Bangladesh found themselves reeling at 33/6 inside the first 14 overs. Despite a resilient stand of 33 runs between Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun, the middle and lower order could not build meaningful partnerships. Fahima Khatun’s 34 off 80 balls was the top score, but it wasn’t enough against disciplined bowling, including notable spells by Lea Tahuhu (3/22) who was playing her 100th ODI.
New Zealand’s bowlers consistently took wickets at crucial moments, with Jerr Kerr and Mair each taking 3 wickets and Amelia Kerr and Eden Carson chipping in. Bangladesh’s innings ended at 127 in 39.5 overs. The victory lifted New Zealand to fifth place in the points table, tying them with Bangladesh but maintaining a strong position as the tournament progresses.
The White Ferns had suffered defeats in their opening two matches of the tournament but showed improved composure and resilience in this encounter. The middle-order solidity and disciplined bowling were key to their big win, breaking the momentum Bangladesh had started to build in earlier matches with their spin-heavy attack and competitive performances.
