White Ferns Secure First Win Over Bangladesh in World Cup Clash

The New Zealand women’s cricket team, known as the White Ferns, achieved their first victory in the 2024 ICC Women’s World Cup by defeating Bangladesh by 100 runs in Guwahati. Captain Sophie Devine played a pivotal role, scoring a determined 63 runs, helping her team bounce back after two earlier losses in the tournament.

New Zealand, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, struggled in their opening matches against defending champions Australia and South Africa. However, they found their rhythm against Bangladesh, with Devine leading from the front. She formed a crucial 112-run partnership with Brooke Halliday, who contributed a strong 69 runs to the total. This performance marked a much-needed turnaround for the White Ferns, who had been on the back foot after slipping to 38 for 3 during their innings.

Devine’s innings was particularly notable as she managed her Type 1 diabetes during the match. Midway through her batting, she paused play to check her blood sugar levels. After consuming some jelly beans and a sugary drink, she returned to the pitch. “With diabetes, it’s always a bit of a balancing act,” Devine said. “It wasn’t the prettiest innings but sometimes you’ve got to do it ugly.”

Her score of 63 came off 85 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, providing much-needed stability to the White Ferns’ innings. Suzie Bates, struggling in previous matches, found some form with a score of 29 before being run out in a mix-up. Halliday’s contribution ensured the momentum continued, as she displayed an aggressive approach with five fours and a six.

Bangladesh’s response was disappointing, with their top five batters failing to reach double figures. It took them 15 overs to hit their first boundary. Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu were instrumental in dismantling the Bangladesh batting lineup, each taking three wickets. Kerr finished with figures of 3 for 21, while Tahuhu secured 3 for 22. Bangladesh’s innings faltered as they collapsed for just 101 runs, with Fahima Khatun being the lone warrior, scoring 34 before falling to Eden Carson.

Following this win, the White Ferns currently sit fifth in the eight-team table, one place outside the semi-final spots, but level on points with Bangladesh. Their upcoming matches will be crucial as they head to Colombo to face Sri Lanka and Pakistan, before concluding the group stage with matches against hosts India and England.

Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana reflected on her team’s performance, emphasizing the need for improvement: “Our batting is not consistent. The lower order has done a decent job, but the top order needs to shoulder more responsibility.” Bangladesh is set to face South Africa and Australia in Visakhapatnam before continuing their campaign against Sri Lanka and India in Mumbai.

The White Ferns are looking to build on this momentum as they strive to secure a place in the knockout stage of the tournament.