New Zealand have bounced back from the loss to the West Indies in their opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup, to record a comfortable nine-wicket win over Bangladesh in Dunedin. Suzie Bates’ unbroken 108-run partnership with Amelia Kerr propelled the hosts to a first win in the tournament in a match reduced to 27 overs-a-side because of heavy rain.
Bangaldesh’s opening batters, Fargana Hoque and Shamima Sultana put on 59 for the first wicket inside the opening 10 overs after the hosts had won the toss and opted to bowl. Sultana scored 33 runs off 36 balls before departing. Haque managed 52 off 63 balls but was run out by Frances Mackay.
Bangladesh couldn’t capitalise on the solid foundation that was provided. Spinner, Amy Satterthwaite did the bulk of the damage for the hosts. She put the brakes on Bangladesh’s run rate with two wickets in her first over and finished with three for 25 from five overs. Bangladesh posted a fairly competitive total of 140 for the loss of eight wickets.
In reply, New Zealand didn’t have the best of starts. Captain, Sophie Devine was dismissed cheaply for 14 by Salma Khatun in the seventh over with the hosts having 36 runs on the scoreboard. But, Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, combined for a decisive 108-run second wicket partnership to propel the hosts to an emphatic nine-wicket victory. Bates became the second New Zealand batter to pass 1000 runs in the Women’s World Cup and the fastest overall to do so in 21 innings.
“I didn’t realise I was close to that milestone. I’ve played a few but for me I just want to contribute at the top of the order as much as I can and help the team win games, nice to get that score to start the tournament off,” says Suzie Bates.
New Zealand will next play India on Thursday while Bangladesh have a longer wait till their next game against Pakistan on Sunday.
