Brooke Halliday and captain Sophie Devine both scored important fifties to lead New Zealand to a decisive 100-run victory against Bangladesh in a Women’s World Cup match on Friday. After a rocky start, Halliday and Devine formed a crucial 112-run partnership, allowing New Zealand to reach a total of 227 for nine after choosing to bat first. The innings got off to a shaky beginning as New Zealand lost their first three wickets for just 38 runs within 10.5 overs, with Georgia Pimmer (4), Suzie Bates (29), and Amelia Kerr falling quickly. Devine (63) and Halliday (69) then steadied the innings with a cautious yet effective partnership for the fourth wicket.
Although the target was modest, New Zealand’s bowlers ensured a comfortable victory as Bangladesh was dismissed for 127 in 39.5 overs. Bangladesh struggled significantly, losing wickets consistently and collapsing to 30 for five by the 14th over. Key players like Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, skipper Nigar Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, and Shoma Akter struggled against the New Zealand bowlers. The best partnership for Bangladesh came from Fahima Khatun (34) and Rabeya Khan (25), who managed to add 44 runs for the eighth wicket. The second highest partnership was between Khatun and Nahida Akter (17), who added 33 runs for the seventh wicket.
For New Zealand, Jess Kerr (3/21) and Lea Tahuhu (3/22) were the standout bowlers, while Rosemary Mair took two wickets for 20 runs. Brief scores: New Zealand Women 227/9 in 50 overs (Sophie Devine 63, Brooke Halliday 69; Rabeya Khan 3/30) beat Bangladesh 127 in 39.5 overs (Fahima Khatun 34; Jess Kerr 3/21, Lea Tahuhu 3/22) by 100 runs.