**Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday’s Half-Centuries Propel New Zealand to Victory over Bangladesh in ICC Women’s World Cup**
*By Rajdeep Saha | October 10, 2025 | 10:11 PM*
Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday’s half-centuries were the cornerstone for New Zealand in their ICC Women’s World Cup clash against Bangladesh in Guwahati on Friday. After New Zealand found themselves struggling at 38/3 in the 11th over, the duo put on a crucial 112-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steering the team to a competitive total of 227/9 in their 50 overs.
### Partnership Blooms After Early Setbacks
Early breakthroughs for Bangladesh came through Rabeya Khan, who dismissed Georgia Plimmer (stumped) and Amelia Kerr (bowled) to put pressure on the New Zealand lineup. Former captain Suzie Bates narrowly avoided a third consecutive duck when Marufa Akter’s sharp delivered inducker struck her pad. The Decision Review System (DRS) confirmed Bates was struck outside the off-stump, granting her reprieve.
Bates made the most of her fortune, attacking Marufa with three boundaries in the sixth over before being run out soon after. This set the stage for Devine and Halliday to stabilize the innings. While Devine played with her usual aggression, Halliday was more industrious, particularly against Bangladesh’s spin attack.
### Devine and Halliday Anchor the Innings Amid Middle-Overs Challenge
Devine, typically an aggressive batter, opted for a measured approach to ensure she was at the crease during the death overs, aware that New Zealand’s lower order had struggled in recent matches. Halliday’s innings of 69 came to an end in the 39th over when she top-edged a slog-sweep to leg-spinner Fahima Khatun.
Maddy Green then joined Devine as New Zealand looked to add valuable runs. However, Devine’s innings was brought to an end at 63 when she played a wild shot across the line.
### Lower Order Boost Late Momentum
At 179/5 with just over six overs remaining, New Zealand needed to accelerate. Late cameos from Isabella Gaze and Lea Tahuhu provided some much-needed impetus, adding vital runs to an otherwise subdued batting performance.
Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Marufa Akter was the most expensive, conceding 58 runs in her seven overs. Despite her early struggles against Halliday, Bangladesh’s spinners managed to keep the game somewhat competitive.
### Devine’s Impressive World Cup Form Continues
Devine struck 2 fours and 2 sixes in her 63-run knock off 85 balls. Playing her 28th Women’s ODI World Cup match, she has amassed 929 runs at an average of 38.20 from 25 innings. This was her seventh half-century-plus score in the tournament, which includes 3 centuries and 4 fifties, according to ESPNcricinfo. In the ongoing 2025 edition, Devine has scored 263 runs from 3 matches.
On a broader scale, in her 155th WODI appearance, Devine has accumulated 4,250 runs from 142 innings at 32.94, including 9 centuries and 18 fifties. Notably, she has scored 141 runs from 5 matches against Bangladesh at an average of 28.20. This match marked her maiden fifty against Bangladesh.
### Brooke Halliday’s Strong Knock
Brooke Halliday’s innings of 69 featured 5 fours and a six. Playing her 43rd match (39 innings), Halliday has now surpassed 1,000 WODI runs, with 1,012 runs at an average of 28.11, as per ESPNcricinfo. This was her seventh fifty in WODIs and her maiden appearance against Bangladesh, marking an impressive performance.
### Rabeya Khan Shines with the Ball for Bangladesh
Rabeya Khan was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 3 wickets for 30 runs in her 10 overs, including one maiden. Playing her 27th match, she has now taken 30 WODI wickets at an average of 27.33.
### Bangladesh Batting Falters
Batting was a struggle for Bangladesh. Fahima Khatun was the lone bright spot, scoring 34 runs off 80 balls with 2 boundaries. Rabeya Khan contributed 25 runs from 39 balls, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to make significant contributions. Bangladesh was eventually dismissed for a paltry 127 runs.
### New Zealand Bowling Highlights
Jess Kerr was superb for New Zealand, taking 3/21 from 8 overs, while Lea Tahuhu also impressed with figures of 3/22 from 6 overs.
### Points Table Update
With this victory, New Zealand opened their account in the tournament and are currently placed 5th with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.245. Bangladesh sit sixth with two points from three matches (1 win and 2 losses).
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*This comprehensive display of resilience and skill from New Zealand, led by Devine and Halliday, underscores their intent to be a formidable side in this year’s ICC Women’s World Cup.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/new-zealand-tame-bangladesh-in-women-s-world-cup-2025/story
