New Zealand registered its first points of the ongoing Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 with a massive 100-run win over Bangladesh on Friday at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati. White Ferns captain Sophie Devine once again led with the bat, ably supported by Brooke Halliday, after which the pacers snaffled out wickets with ease to bowl out Bangladesh for 127 in 39.5 overs.

Here are the main talking points from the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 match between New Zealand and Bangladesh:

Bangladesh batting under microscope

The Tigresses’ batting had been questioned leading up to this fixture but after the embarrassing loss, the management will need to take a look at the top order, including captain Nigar Sultana Joty. Against New Zealand, the top five batters combined just 14 runs before Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan stitched up a 44-run partnership to show some fight. The side’s batting was so dire that after Fahima’s 34, the extras conceded by the NZ bowlers were the second-highest scorer for Bangladesh with 30.

‘Devine’ performance

The 36-year-old seems incapable of doing any wrong with a bat in her hand. Battling low glucose levels during her knock, Devine notched up her third consecutive 50-plus score, once again rescuing her side. This time, she had a partner in Halliday, who also scored a half-century. Suzie Bates getting her first runs of the tournament, and looked in nice touch before getting run out, will also be encouraging for the side as it hopes to build on this performance.

Burden on the neighbor

While Rabeya’s spin struck thrice for Bangladesh, it was New Zealand’s pace battery which did the job for it. For the Tigresses, young Marufa Akter was the sole fast-bowling option. And Marufa herself was expensive, conceding 58 runs in seven overs for one wicket, and failed to produce swing. When a question was asked after the match why the team was constantly playing with just one pace option, Rabeya said the management would be better suited to answer this.

Published on Oct 11, 2025