New Zealand Finally Fire As Devine, Halliday Inspire First World Cup Win Over Bangladesh

Guwahati: New Zealand Women registered their first victory of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025/26 with a commanding 100-run win against Bangladesh in Guwahati on Friday. After a series of narrow defeats, the White Ferns bounced back in style, led by captain Sophie Devine and all-rounder Brooke Halliday, who powered the side with both bat and ball.

Devine And Halliday Anchor The Innings

Opting to bat first, New Zealand built a strong foundation through a steady partnership between Devine and Halliday. Devine’s composed stroke play and Halliday’s fluent half-century ensured the team recovered from an early wobble to post a challenging total. Their partnership steadied the innings and allowed the lower order to play freely in the final overs, pushing the total beyond Bangladesh’s reach.

Bowlers Seal The Deal

New Zealand’s bowlers complemented the batting effort with a disciplined and ruthless performance. Lea Tahuhu, Amelia Kerr, and Fran Jonas dismantled the Bangladesh top order with pace and precision. The bowlers maintained pressure throughout, backed by sharp fielding, as Bangladesh folded well short of the target.

Tactical Changes Pay Off

Coming into this match after two successive losses, New Zealand made key tactical adjustments — promoting Halliday higher up the order and adopting a more aggressive bowling rotation. The changes brought balance to the side and reinvigorated their approach, evident in the team’s renewed energy on the field.

Tournament Implications

The victory lifts New Zealand off the bottom of the points table and keeps their semifinal hopes alive. For Bangladesh, the defeat extends their winless run, leaving them in a must-win situation for the remaining fixtures.

With confidence restored and momentum gained, New Zealand will look to carry this winning form into their next encounter, hoping this performance marks the true start of their World Cup campaign.