When Sophie Devine, captain of New Zealand Women’s cricket team smashed a brisk 63‑run knock, the White Ferns finally shook off two opening‑match defeats and clinched their first win of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. The drama unfolded on Friday, 10 October 2025, under the lights of Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, India, where New Zealand posted 227/9 and then bundled Bangladesh out for 127.
Match overview: a recovery from a wobble
New Zealand’s innings began on shaky ground – 38 for three in the power‑play. It was Brooke Halliday who steadied the ship with a measured 69 off 104 balls, while Devine’s aggressive 63 off 85 deliveries turned the tide. The pair pushed the total to a competitive 227, a score that proved too much for Bangladesh, who struggled to find rhythm against disciplined New Zealand bowling.
Batting performances that mattered
The White Ferns showed depth beyond the opening partnership. Halliday, a left‑handed opener, timed her drives through the cover region, accumulating 69 runs – the highest individual score for New Zealand at this stage of the tournament. Devine, playing with typical aggression, struck four fours and five sixes, her innings punctuated by a crisp pull behind square leg.
For Bangladesh, left‑hander Fahima Khatun managed only 34 runs, the top score in a line‑up that never settled. The side’s extras – 30 runs, including 21 wides – were a stark reminder of the pressure they faced from New Zealand’s tight line and length.
Bowling and fielding: New Zealand’s disciplined attack
Medium‑pacer Jess Kerr led the wicket‑tally with three for 21, while fellow pacer Lea Tahuhu mirrored her figures at three for 22. Their spell of swing and seam left the Bangladeshi batters guessing, especially after they bowled 21 wides – a direct result of New Zealand’s aggressive field placements.
All‑rounder Rosemary Mair contributed with a crucial spell, snaring a wicket that broke a promising partnership. Bangladesh’s best bowler, Rabeya Khan, took three for 30 but couldn’t stem the flow of runs.
Implications for the tournament standings
With the win, New Zealand leapt to sixth place in the nine‑team round‑robin table, sitting just a point behind fifth‑placed Bangladesh, which retained its spot with a record of one win and two losses. The points table now reads:
- Australia – 3 wins
- South Africa – 2 wins
- England – 2 wins
- India – 2 wins
- Bangladesh – 1 win, 2 losses
- New Zealand – 1 win, 2 losses
Both teams have three matches left, and only the top four advance to the semi‑finals. New Zealand’s next contest is against co‑host Sri Lanka Women at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on 14 October 2025. Bangladesh will try to bounce back versus South Africa Women in Visakhapatnam on 13 October 2025.
Historical context and what lies ahead
New Zealand entered the tournament having lost to Australia and South Africa, making this victory all the more significant. Their last World Cup win came in 2009, when they lifted the title on home soil. For Devine, this innings marks her third half‑century of the campaign, after a blistering 112 against Australia and an 85‑run effort versus South Africa – both in losing causes.
Bangladesh, by contrast, arrived with momentum after a shock victory over Pakistan and a narrow defeat to England, where they fell short of a 236‑run chase – their highest successful ODI target ever. Yet the lack of firepower in the middle order proved costly here, echoing criticisms from The Indian Express that “the lack of batting firepower in the Bangladesh ranks ensured … was way out of their reach.”
Looking ahead, the round‑robin’s final phase will be a nail‑biter. If the White Ferns can repeat a 100‑run margin against Sri Lanka, they will be firmly in the hunt for a top‑four spot. Bangladesh, however, must win both remaining games and hope for a slip‑up from the teams above them to stay alive.
Key takeaways
- Devine’s 63 anchors a comeback after early wickets.
- Halliday’s 69‑run partnership set a defendable total.
- Kerr and Tahuhu’s combined six wickets restricted Bangladesh to 127.
- Extras (30) were the second‑largest contribution to Bangladesh’s score.
- White Ferns move to sixth in a tightly contested table.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect New Zealand’s chances of reaching the World Cup semi‑finals?
The victory lifts New Zealand to sixth place with three matches remaining. A win against Sri Lanka would bring them level on points with Bangladesh; a second win would likely secure a top‑four finish, provided they net a better run‑rate than their rivals.
What were the standout performances from Bangladesh despite the loss?
Rabeya Khan’s three‑for‑30 spell was the most effective bowling effort, and Fahima Khatun’s 34 runs was the highest individual score. The team also forced 21 wides, showing that the New Zealand attack was occasionally wayward.
When and where is New Zealand’s next match?
The White Ferns face Sri Lanka Women on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Who are the key players to watch for New Zealand in the remaining games?
Captain Sophie Devine’s form with the bat and Jess Kerr’s ability to swing the ball in the death overs are crucial. All‑rounder Rosemary Mair provides depth in both disciplines, while emerging talent Brooke Halliday offers stability at the top.
What does Bangladesh need to improve to stay in contention?
Bangladesh must sharpen their middle‑order batting to convert starts into bigger totals and tighten their fielding to cut down wides and extras. A more aggressive approach against the opposition’s pacers could also help them chase larger targets.
