Bangladesh vs New Zealand- As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 carries on in Guwahati, we look forward to an exciting match where Bangladesh and New Zealand — two teams on very different paths — will face off against each other.
This tournament has served as a harsh wake-up call for New Zealand. They have played no ODIs for six months before the World Cup so it was no surprise that they have clearly struggled with the rustiness of no ODI play. They arrived at the World Cup following warm-up games in which they tasted defeat back-to-back against India and India A and have since lost to Australia and South Africa. New Zealand’s performances have lacked consistency, sharpness, and rhythm – all resemblances of the White Ferns of the old.
Aside from Sophie Devine, who has accounted for 42% of New Zealand’s runs in the tournament thus far, the remaining batting order has struggled to contribute. The bowling attack has appeared toothless and the fielding, which included seven misfields against South Africa, has revealed a team still finding its feet.
By contrast, Bangladesh are on a steady upward trajectory. They shocked Pakistan, pushed England to the brink, and have carried themselves with belief and composure. While their batting hasn’t fully clicked yet, their bowling unit has been exceptional — with Marufa Akter striking early with the new ball and their spinners tightening the screws through the middle overs.
In a tournament that rewards smart cricket and adaptability, Bangladesh appear far more confident and settled. Having already played at Guwahati, they’ll be more familiar with the surface conditions than New Zealand — and with spin expected to dominate, this could be their best chance yet to script a historic first ODI victory over the White Ferns.
In the Spotlight: Fahima Khatun and Suzie Bates
Every game has its pivotal challenge, and this will probably be for Fahima Khatun’s crafty leg-spin against Suzie Bates’ wisdom at the top of the order.
Fahima was superb against England, taking a spell of 3 for 16 that will be hard to erase from memory. She dismissed top order batters like Nat Sciver-Brunt, Emma Lamb and Sophia Dunkley, draping her looping deliveries that gripped and turned and teased the batters. Over the course of 60 deliveries she gave away just one boundary, which is apparently a unique occurrence in ODI cricket.
Fahima’s control, cunning, and contagious enthusiasm makes her the beating heart of Bangladesh’s spin attack. Even Heather Knight’s contentious not-out call — after a low catch at cover – displayed the pressure that was mounting on Fahima.
At the same time, Suzie Bates, one of New Zealand’s most experienced players is under pressure. Bates has come into this match with two ducks in two matches, and has been unable to get her timing and rhythm. She faced eight dot balls before being dismissed by Sophie Molineux against Australia, and first ball by Marizanne Kapp against South Africa.
With Marufa Akter in red-hot form and the Bangladeshi spinners ready to exploit every bit of turn, Bates will need to summon all her experience to steady New Zealand’s innings.
Team News: Mair Nears Return, Bangladesh Stick to Winning Formula
Bangladesh are unlikely to tinker with their successful combination unless forced by injury. Nahida Akter confirmed that Marufa Akter, who left the field with cramps against England, is “fit and ready” to bowl in this fixture.
Bangladesh (probable XI):
Rubya Haider
Sharmin Akhter
Nigar Sultana (capt & wk)
Sobhana Mostary
Mst Ritu Moni
Shorna Akter
Fahima Khatun
Nahida Akter
Rabeya Khan
Marufa Akter
Sanjida Akter Meghla
For New Zealand, assistant coach Craig McMillan hinted that Rosemary Mair — who was close to fitness in the previous game — might return. If she’s declared fit, she could replace Jess Kerr to add more firepower with the ball.
New Zealand (probable XI):
Suzie Bates
Georgia Plimmer
Amelia Kerr
Sophie Devine (capt)
Brooke Halliday
Maddy Green
Isabella Gaze (wk)
Jess Kerr / Rosemary Mair
Lea Tahuhu
Eden Carson
Bree Illing
Pitch and Conditions: Spin to Rule Again
The Guwahati surface has emerged as a spinner’s paradise this World Cup. Out of 44 wickets taken across three matches, a staggering 33 have gone to spinners — accounting for nearly 75% of all dismissals. Expect turn, bounce, and grip, especially under lights.
It is also possible that it will rain in the early part of the day resulting in a delayed start; initial batting could be difficult due to wet conditions. There is a reasonable chance both captains would want to bowl first in the hope of early movement from the surface.
Stats and Trivia: Milestones and Momentum
Lea Tahuhu is poised to make her 100th ODI appearance, a testament to her longevity and value to New Zealand cricket.
Marufa Akter has captured eight wickets in the powerplay this year – the second most by any bowler in women’s ODIs.
Brooke Halliday is just 57 runs away from completing 1,000 ODI runs. She’ll become only the 18th New Zealand woman to achieve the feat.
What They Said: Amelia Kerr on Facing Spin
New Zealand all-rounder Amelia Kerr acknowledged the challenge Bangladesh’s spinners pose, saying preparation and discipline would be key:
“There’s been quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets, which is exciting for my bowling. But from a batting perspective, it’s all about discipline — knowing your best scoring options and reading the spin early.
We know Bangladesh have a spin-heavy attack and have caused trouble for several teams already. We’ll need to assess the conditions quickly and stick to our best game plans.”
The Bottom Line
Bangladesh has entered a contest with momentum, confidence, and a spin package that is designed for conditions in Guwahati. New Zealand are in desperate need of a win to stay alive in the World Cup and restore confidence to the ranks.
It is a battle of Bangladesh’s burgeoning belief versus the veteran pride of New Zealand – the experience of spin versus the power of experience.
No matter which way it goes – one thing is for certain – spin will determine the winner.
