The New Zealand White Ferns registered their first win of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, defeating Bangladesh by a substantial 100 runs. The victory was engineered by a resilient batting display from Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, followed by a dominant bowling performance that stifled the opposition.
After choosing to bat, New Zealand found themselves in a difficult position early on at 35/3. However, a remarkable 112-run partnership between experienced campaigner Sophie Devine (63) and the fluent Brooke Halliday (69) steadied the ship and built a solid platform. Halliday’s patient knock of 104 balls and Devine’s anchoring innings were instrumental in reaching a competitive total of 227/9.
Several lower-order batters also chipped in with valuable runs. For Bangladesh, Rabeya Khan was the pick of the bowlers, bowling an economical spell and picking up three crucial wickets.
The Bangladeshi chase never truly got going. The New Zealand pacers, Rosemary Mair and Jess Kerr, struck early blows, putting the batting lineup under immediate pressure. While Fahima Khatun offered some resistance with 34 runs, the rest of the batting line-up collapsed. Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, who was celebrating her 100th ODI, were exceptional, claiming three wickets apiece. Eden Carson and Amelia Kerr also contributed with crucial wickets, ensuring Bangladesh was bowled out for 127 in under 40 overs.