When New Zealand Women (the White Ferns) clinched a 100-run victory over Bangladesh Women at Guwahati on 3 October 2025, the win snapped a two‑match losing streak and earned their first points in the tournament.
Match Overview
The game unfolded on a sunny afternoon on the lush field of the Assam Cricket Association Stadium. Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that would soon prove costly. Within the first 14 overs they were wobbling at 33/6, a collapse that left fans gasping. Only three batters—Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan—managed to push past ten runs. By the 40th over Bangladesh were all out for 143, handing the White Ferns a towering target of 244.
Key Performances
The new‑ball partnership of Jess Kerr and Rosemary Mair set the tone early. Kerr, who already boasts 56 wickets in 41 WODIs, ripped through the top order, delivering a fuller‑length ball that Rabeya Khan lofted straight over mid‑on for a four before the delivery sparked the next wicket.
Veteran fast bowler Lea Tahuhu was on the brink of her 100th ODI appearance. With 119 WODI scalps—including 30 in previous World Cups—she provided the experience needed to keep Bangladesh under pressure, claiming two crucial wickets in the death overs.
Amelia Kerr, the younger sister of Jess, contributed three wickets and kept the run‑rate in check. In the chase, Suzie Bates anchored the innings. The seasoned batter, with 5,896 WODI runs to her name, guided New Zealand to 244/5, finishing unbeaten on 84.
Support came from Maddy Green (45) and wicket‑keeper Isabella Gaze (23), while Eden Carson, though wicketless in earlier games, added a vital catch at mid‑wicket.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
New Zealand captain and batting stalwart Suzie Bates said, “We needed that win to believe in ourselves again. The bowlers gave us the platform, and the middle order stepped up when it mattered.” Coach Trish McKelvey praised the team’s resilience, noting that the 100‑run margin was “a statement that the White Ferns are still a force in women’s cricket.”
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana expressed disappointment but remained hopeful: “We’ll take the lessons from this loss, especially the early wickets. The conditions in Guwahati suit spin, and we’ll work on handling the new ball better.” Head coach Hashan Perera added that the team would focus on building partnerships in the upcoming fixtures.
Implications for the Tournament
The win catapults New Zealand to 2 points, placing them third in Group A behind India and England. The points haul also improves their net run rate, a critical factor in a tightly contested group where every run counts. Bangladesh, meanwhile, languishes at the bottom with no points and a severely dented net run rate, making their next match a must‑win to stay alive.
- New Zealand’s net run rate jumps to +0.85 after the 100‑run margin.
- Bangladesh’s lowest ever tournament score of 143.
- Jess Kerr becomes the leading wicket‑taker for New Zealand in this World Cup with 4 wickets.
- Lea Tahuhu reaches 100 matches in ODIs next week.
- Final group‑stage fixtures set for 10 October 2025.
Historical Context
The White Ferns have a proud World Cup pedigree, lifting the trophy in 2000 and 2009. Their recent form, however, has been mixed; they entered 2025 with a win‑less streak in the opening games. This victory echoes their 2017 comeback win over England, where a similar batting collapse forced a low‑score chase that New Zealand turned around with a late surge.
Bangladesh’s women’s side is relatively new on the world stage, making their first World Cup appearance in 2022. They have shown flashes of promise, notably a upset over South Africa in 2022, but consistency remains elusive. The Guwahati loss adds to a pattern of early‑innings collapses that the side has struggled to overcome.
What’s Next for Both Teams
New Zealand will face South Africa Women on 10 October 2025. Coach McKelvey hinted at a possible rotation, keeping the pace attack fresh for the knockout rounds.
Bangladesh’s next challenge is against Sri Lanka Women on 9 October 2025. The team aims to rebuild their top order, with young opener Ritu Biswas expected to open the innings.
Key Facts
- Venue: Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati.
- Date: 3 October 2025.
- Result: New Zealand Women won by 100 runs.
- Top scorer: Suzie Bates – 84*.
- Best bowler: Jess Kerr – 3/22.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect New Zealand’s chances of reaching the knockout stage?
The three‑point haul lifts New Zealand to third place in Group A with a healthy net‑run‑rate (+0.85). If they win their next two games, they are virtually guaranteed a quarter‑final spot, even if India or England lose a match.
What were the main reasons behind Bangladesh’s batting collapse?
Early swing from the New Zealand new‑ball pair and disciplined line‑and‑length left the top order exposed. In addition, the team struggled to rotate the strike, leading to a series of dot balls that increased pressure on the middle order.
When is Lea Tahuhu expected to reach her 100th ODI match?
Tahuhu will earn her 100th cap in the upcoming group match against South Africa on 10 October 2025, provided she remains fit and in the playing XI.
Which players from Bangladesh can the team rely on for the next match?
All‑rounder Fahima Khatun and spinner Nahida Akter showed flashes of resilience, scoring 18 and 12 runs respectively. Their experience will be crucial as Bangladesh looks to rebuild partnerships against Sri Lanka.
What does this result mean for the overall tournament narrative?
New Zealand’s comeback injects fresh competition into Group A, suggesting the race for the top two spots will be decided on net‑run‑rate as much as on points. For Bangladesh, the loss underscores the widening gap between emerging teams and established powerhouses.