Guwahati: Bangladesh Women's team faced a challenging defeat against New Zealand in their third match of the ICC Cricket World Cup, held at Guwahati Stadium in India. The New Zealand Women's team set a target by scoring 227-9, posing a formidable challenge for Bangladesh to chase.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Bangladesh's batting lineup struggled, managing only 127 runs in 39.5 overs. The batting performance saw only three players reaching double digits, with Fahima Khatun scoring the highest at 34, followed by Rabeya Khan with 25 and Nahida Akter with 17. Jess Kerr and Lea Thuhu played crucial roles for New Zealand, each taking three wickets, supported by Rosemary Mair who claimed two.
Electing to bat first, New Zealand capitalized on strong performances by skipper Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday, who both scored fifties. Their 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket was pivotal after Bangladesh's disciplined bowling initially left New Zealand at 38-3. Halliday was the top scorer with 69 runs while Devine contributed 63.
Rabeya Khan emerged as Bangladesh's most effective bowler, securing figures of 3-30. She provided Bangladesh with a promising start by dismissing Georgia Plimmer and Amelia Kerr in quick succession. The removal of Suzie Bates, a key opener for New Zealand, for 29 through a run-out further boosted Bangladesh's hopes. Despite this, the partnership between Devine and Halliday stabilized New Zealand's innings until Nishita Akter Nishi and Fahima Khatun dismissed them, resulting in New Zealand losing their last five wickets for 48 runs.