Women’s World Cup: New Zealand defeats Bangladesh in a rain-delayed match

DUNEDIN: In the sixth match of the current ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, hosts New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by nine wickets in a rain-affected battle here on Monday.

Rain washed out nearly four hours of the game in the morning, reducing it to a 27-over-a-side fight. Suzie Bates, on the other hand, made the most of her position in the middle to guide New Zealand to a 141-run victory with seven overs to spare.

The right-handed batter scored 79 off 66 balls with eight boundaries, while top-order hitter Amelia Kerr also contributed to an undefeated and match-winning 108-run combination with Suzie. Kerr was still not out with her 47.

Only Salma Khatun was able to pick up a wicket for Bangladesh, while the rest of the bowlers were unable to give firepower.

Bangladesh batted first and, despite a good start, could only manage 140/8 in the allowed 27 overs, with Amy Satterthwaite and run-outs taking three wickets apiece.

Bangladesh’s openers, Fargana Hoque and Shamima Sultana, got the team off to a good start with a 59-run stand before Shamima walked back to the pavilion in the 10th over after scoring 33.

Following her dismissal, the team began to lose wickets and momentum from one end, but Fargana remained steadfast at the other end, keeping the scoreboard ticking and going on to score a tenacious half-century.

The right-handed hitter scored 52 off 63 balls with the aid of a boundary before being run-out in the 24th over.

Satterthwaite took three wickets for New Zealand, while Hayley Jensen and Frances Mackay each took one.