New Zealand secured a convincing 100-run victory over Bangladesh in the Women’s World Cup match, thanks to outstanding fifties from Brooke Halliday and captain Sophie Devine, followed by a strong bowling performance.The White Ferns chose to bat first and posted 227 for nine, recovering from early setbacks through a crucial 112-run partnership between Halliday and Devine.New Zealand’s innings began poorly, losing Georgia Pimmer for 4, Suzie Bates for 29, and Amelia Kerr within the first 10.5 overs, leaving them at 38 for three.Devine scored 63 while Halliday contributed 69, as they carefully rebuilt the innings with their fourth-wicket partnership.Bangladesh’s batting response was inadequate, resulting in their dismissal for 127 in 39.5 overs, well short of the target.The Bangladesh innings struggled from the start, with five wickets falling by the 14th over for just 30 runs.Several Bangladesh batters, including Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana, Sobhana Mostary, Sumaiya Akter, and Shoma Akter, failed to make an impact against the New Zealand bowlers.The highest partnership of the Bangladesh innings came from Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan, who added 44 runs for the eighth wicket. Khatun scored 34 while Khan made 25.New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu, who took three wickets each, conceding 21 and 22 runs respectively. Rosemary Mair claimed two wickets for 20 runs.The early collapse of New Zealand’s innings began when Georgia Plimmer was caught by wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana off Rabeya Khan, who finished with three wickets for 30 runs.Halliday reached her fifty with a boundary over mid-on off Nishita Akhter and later hit a six over wide long-on against Shorna Akhter.Devine played a more measured innings, scoring her first boundary in the 38th over.Halliday’s innings of 69 included five fours and a six from 104 balls before she was caught behind by Sultana.Devine achieved her third consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament with a six over long-on, followed by another maximum in the next ball.Her innings ended at 63 runs from 85 balls, including two fours and two sixes, when she was bowled by Nishita while attempting another big shot.The New Zealand innings concluded with Maddy Green’s contribution and the quick dismissals of herself and Jess Kerr in consecutive deliveries.
