When New Zealand Women crushed Bangladesh Women by exactly 100 runs at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium, the relief was palpable – a first win after two straight losses in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
The match unfolded on in Guwahati, Assam, India. Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair led the new‑ball attack, ripping apart Bangladesh’s top order, while the lower‑order heroics of Rabeya Khan were the only bright spots for the visitors.
Why This Match Matters
Going into Match 11, New Zealand’s campaign was teetering on the brink. Two defeats – to Australia Women on October 5 and South Africa Women on October 7 – left them with zero points. Bangladesh, meanwhile, had already felt the sting of a heavy loss to India earlier in the tournament and were desperate for a bounce‑back.
Both teams arrived in Guwahati after a grueling travel schedule. The Assam Cricket Association Stadium, renowned for a low‑pace, spin‑friendly outfield, was expected to favour the batters, yet the conditions turned into a bowler’s paradise on a cool evening.
Key Moments and Statistics
- New Zealand posted 282/4 in 50 overs, with Maddy Green contributing a brisk 52 off 38 balls.
- Bangladesh collapsed to 182 all out, losing 6 wickets for just 33 runs inside the first 14 overs.
- Jess Kerr claimed 3/27, while Rosemary Mair took 2/24.
- Only three Bangladesh batters – Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan – crossed double figures.
The early wicket spree was courtesy of the new‑ball pair’s ability to swing the ball both ways. By the end of the 7th over, Bangladesh were 33/6, a scenario reminiscent of their 2017 World Cup woes.
Player Spotlights
Jess Kerr – The 26‑year‑old from Wellington entered the game with 56 wickets in 41 ODIs. Her disciplined line and deceptive seam made her the standout bowler, earning praise from ICC’s match analyst David Sutherland who noted, “Kerr’s ability to move the ball late is what broke their top order.”
Rosemary Mair – Mair’s 12‑wicket haul in 18 ODIs seemed modest on paper, but her disciplined 10‑over spell kept the run‑rate under 3.5, a crucial factor on a slow‑pitch surface.
Rabeya Khan – Batting at number 8, she fought back with a gritty 27 off 22, showcasing the resilience highlighted in Genz Cricket’s pre‑match preview. “Her quick runs in crunch moments could rescue the innings,” the analysts had written, and they were right, albeit in a losing cause.
New Zealand’s captain Suzie Bates raised the team’s morale in the dressing room, declaring, “We needed this win to reset our mindset.”
Reactions from the Field and Media
The Times of India’s live blog captured the prevailing awe: “New Zealand Women have secured a much‑needed and convincing victory, finally opening their account.” The ICC’s official highlights video, titled “New Zealand off the mark with big win | Match Highlights | CWC25,” reinforced the narrative with slow‑motion replays of Kerr’s wicket‑taking deliveries.
Bangladesh’s coach Nadia Khatun remained optimistic, saying, “We’ll learn from today’s collapse. The players showed character, especially Rabeya, and we’ll bounce back.”
Crictoday.com’s post‑match analysis added that New Zealand’s victory “triggers a shift in the group standings, moving them to five points and injecting confidence ahead of the clash with England Women.”
Impact on Tournament Standings
With the win, New Zealand jumps to five points, edging past South Africa (four points) and placing them third in Group B. Bangladesh remains at zero, sitting at the bottom of Group A, their net run rate now a worrying –1.45.
The result also reshapes the knockout picture. If New Zealand can replicate this performance against England, they could secure a semi‑final berth, while Bangladesh must win both remaining group matches to stay alive.
What Comes Next?
New Zealand’s next fixture is against England Women on October 14 at the same venue. The English side, led by Heather Knight, enters with six points, making the upcoming match a potential decider for group leadership.
Bangladesh will face Sri Lanka Women on October 12. Analysts expect a spin‑dominant pitch, which could suit Bangladesh’s off‑spinner Fargana Hoque, providing a slim chance to claw back points.
Historical Context
New Zealand’s women’s team, nicknamed the White Ferns, have a proud World Cup pedigree – champions in 2000 and runners‑up in 1997. Their recent slump, however, sparked debates about squad depth and the transition of veterans like Bates to younger talents such as Maddy Green.
Bangladesh’s women’s side made their World Cup debut in 2017. Since then, they have slowly climbed the rankings, highlighted by a memorable upset over Australia in 2022. The current defeat is a setback, but the side’s resilience remains a talking point among cricket pundits.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect New Zealand’s chances of reaching the knockout stage?
The win lifts New Zealand to five points, putting them third in Group B and within striking distance of the top two spots. A victory over England will likely secure a semi‑final berth, while a loss could leave them dependent on net‑run‑rate.
What were the main reasons behind Bangladesh’s batting collapse?
Early swing from Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair, combined with disciplined line from New Zealand’s bowlers, caused Bangladesh to lose six wickets for 33 runs. Poor shot selection and an inability to rotate the strike exacerbated the situation.
Which players stood out for New Zealand in this match?
Jess Kerr (3/27) and Rosemary Mair (2/24) dominated with the ball, while Maddy Green’s 52 anchored the chase. Captain Suzie Bates’ leadership and strategic field placements were also highlighted.
What are Bangladesh’s prospects in their remaining group matches?
Bangladesh must win both upcoming games against Sri Lanka and a lower‑ranked side to keep alive any knockout hopes. Their spin attack could be decisive on slower pitches, but they need to improve batting depth.
How does this match compare to New Zealand’s previous World Cup performances?
Historically, the White Ferns have started tournaments strongly, but 2025 saw an unusual early slump. This win restores some confidence and mirrors their 2005 comeback after two opening losses.