LIVE: Mair gets Haider early in CWC25 clash

NEW ZEALAND v BANGLADESH, SCORECARD

Brooke Halliday and Sophie Devine struck fighting fifties to guide New Zealand to 227/9 after a shaky start in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against Bangladesh.

Nigar Sultana Joty's side continued to strike at regular intervals at the death but couldn't contain the flow of boundaries as New Zealand pushed past the 200-run mark. Rabeya Khatun (3/30) was the standout performer for Bangladesh with the ball while Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter and Nishita Akter chipped in with a wicket each.

Having opted to bat first, New Zealand endured a nightmare start, slipping to 32/3. However, Halliday and Devine steadied the innings with a 100-run stand that shifted momentum back in their favour. Khatun eventually broke the crucial partnership, dismissing Halliday to halt New Zealand’s recovery.

Earlier, Bangladesh got off to a dream start, striking with three quick wickets to leave the White Ferns reeling at 32/3. Rabeya Khan led the charge, removing Georgia Plimmer before Suzie Bates was run out in the same over. Plimmer was the first to fall, stumped after misjudging Khatun’s flighted delivery before the spinner returned in her next over to bowl Amelia Kerr and tighten Bangladesh’s grip on the contest.

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine won the toss and chose to bat first against Bangladesh in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 contest.

Winless after two outings, the White Ferns will be eager to turn things around as they take on a spirited Bangladesh side that stunned Pakistan and nearly toppled England, in an exciting contest at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.

New Zealand had started off their campaign against defending champions Australia, who emerged triumphant by 89 runs. Aiming their first points in their second outing, the Sophie Devine-led side had to contend with dejection as South Africa breezed past them by six wickets, courtesy of a masterful knock from Tazmin Brits.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh had started off with an impressive win over Pakistan. Defending a low total, the Nigar Sultana Joty-captained team also gave an early scare to England with the ball.

The 20-year-old pace sensation Marufa Akter impressed once again, delivering a swing-ball masterclass in her opening burst, albeit coming in a losing cause as Heather Knight helped England prevail.

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