New Zealand Women 8/0 in 2.5 Overs | Bangladesh vs New Zealand Live Score, Women’s World Cup 2025: New Zealand women opt to bat against Bangladesh

Bangladesh vs New Zealand Live Score, Women’s World Cup 2025: Two matches into the Women’s World Cup, New Zealand find themselves on the back foot. Despite brilliant innings from captain Sophie Devine, they have yet to register a win, falling to both Australia and South Africa. Their slow start is compounded by a six-month gap since their last ODI, which has left rustiness creeping into both batting and bowling. In warm-up games, they also lost to India and India A, highlighting cracks in their preparation. Apart from Devine, who has contributed 42% of New Zealand’s runs so far, the rest of the batting line-up has struggled to find fluency, while the bowling attack has lacked sharpness. Fielding lapses were evident against South Africa, with seven misfields adding to a sense of undercooked performance.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, enter the contest with growing confidence. Having stunned Pakistan and challenged England, they are brimming with belief. While their batting has yet to fire consistently, the bowlers have been reliable. Marufa Akter has impressed with the new ball, and spinners Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Nahida Akter have kept tight control in the middle overs. Bangladesh will be encouraged by spin-friendly conditions in Guwahati, where spinners have claimed 75% of wickets so far in the tournament. With only one left-hander in New Zealand’s order, Brooke Halliday, Bangladesh’s spin duo could test the Kiwis’ right-hand-heavy line-up.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have missed the runs of Suzie Bates at the top of the order, who has been dismissed for ducks in her last two innings. Amelia Kerr emphasised the need for discipline against spin and the importance of adapting quickly to conditions. Fast bowler Lea Tahuhu will celebrate her 100th ODI on Friday, adding an emotional edge to the match.

The probable teams see Bangladesh sticking to their winning combination, while New Zealand may bring in Rosemary Mair if she is fit, potentially replacing Jess Kerr. With spin expected to dominate and rain a possibility, the game promises a tactical battle. Bangladesh are yet to beat New Zealand in ODIs, but this encounter presents an opportunity to turn the tables under favourable conditions, while New Zealand look to steady their campaign and find the missing momentum.