Devine Leads New Zealand to First Women’s World Cup Victory with Dominant Win over Bangladesh

Posted : 10 October 2025

New Zealand captain Sophie Devine continued her superb run of form, scoring a determined 63 to guide her team to their first win of the Women’s World Cup with a commanding 100-run victory over Bangladesh in Guwahati on Friday.

After suffering back-to-back defeats to Australia and South Africa on India’s slow pitches, the defending T20 world champions finally found their rhythm. Leading from the front, Devine formed a crucial 112-run partnership with Brooke Halliday, who top-scored with 69, to anchor the innings after an early collapse.

Devine, who had scored 112 against Australia and 85 versus South Africa in losing efforts earlier in the tournament, once again proved her class. Her gritty knock came after New Zealand stumbled to 38-3, providing much-needed stability. Midway through her innings, the 34-year-old had to pause briefly to check her blood sugar levels — she manages Type 1 diabetes — before resuming play after consuming jelly beans and a sugary drink.

Suzie Bates, who had endured a poor start to the tournament with consecutive ducks, rediscovered some form by contributing a brisk 29 with six boundaries before being run out. Halliday built on the platform laid by her captain, compiling a fluent 69 that included five fours and a six to lift New Zealand to a strong total.

Bangladesh, in reply, struggled throughout their innings. Their top order faltered badly, with none of the first five batters reaching double figures. It took 15 overs for them to hit their first boundary, as Jess Kerr (3-21) and Lea Tahuhu (3-22) tore through the lineup. Leg-spinner Fahima Khatun fought hard, top-scoring with 34, but she was the final wicket to fall as Bangladesh were bowled out meekly.

The emphatic victory lifted New Zealand to fifth in the standings just outside the semifinal positions level on points with Bangladesh, who sit one place below. The White Ferns will now travel to Colombo for upcoming fixtures against Sri Lanka and Pakistan before wrapping up the group stage in India with matches against the hosts and England.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana admitted her side’s top-order failures were costly. “Our batting is not consistent. The lower order has done a decent job, but the top order needs to shoulder more responsibility,” she said. Her team will next face South Africa and Australia in Visakhapatnam, followed by clashes against Sri Lanka and India in Mumbai.

Devine Leads New Zealand to First Women’s World Cup Victory with Dominant Win over Bangladesh

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