New Zealand Women vs Bangladesh Women – ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 Match Preview

Match: New Zealand Women vs Bangladesh Women
Tournament: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
Date: Friday, 10th October 2025
Time: 10:30 AM GMT | 3:00 PM IST | 9:30 AM BST
Live Broadcast: Star Sports, JioHotstar App & Website

Match Context

New Zealand Women and Bangladesh Women are set for a crucial clash in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. Both teams are under pressure after recent defeats and are eager to turn their campaigns around. New Zealand, with their world-class all-round talent, are favorites on paper, but Bangladesh have shown resilience and will look to capitalize on the home advantage and spin-friendly conditions.

Current Form

New Zealand Women:
Despite boasting a world-class batting lineup, New Zealand have had an inconsistent start to the tournament. Sophie Devine has been a standout performer with the bat, but the lack of support from the middle order has cost them crucial runs. The bowling attack, led by Amelia Kerr and Jess Kerr, has been effective in key moments but has struggled to maintain pressure consistently. A win is imperative for the Kiwis to regain their World Cup momentum.

Bangladesh Women:
Bangladesh, while not considered traditional powerhouses, have shown fight and flair in their recent fixtures. Their batting has been paced well by Sharmin Akhter and Nigar Sultana, while legspinner Fahima Khatun has been a revelation, picking up crucial wickets in tight spells. However, their bowling has at times been erratic, and they need more consistency to challenge top-tier sides.

Players to Watch

New Zealand Women:

• Sophie Devine (Captain): The Kiwi all-rounder has been in scintillating form, scoring 197 runs in two games at an average of 98.50. Her aggressive batting and sharp legspin could be the difference in this match.
• Jess Kerr: The legspin all-rounder has been pivotal with both bat and ball, offering crucial support to Amelia Kerr in the bowling department.
• Amelia Kerr: With over 20 World Cup wickets to her name, Amelia remains the spearhead of the New Zealand attack. Her ability to swing the ball and bowl tight lines could trouble the Bangladeshi batters.

Bangladesh Women:

• Sharmin Akhter: The leading run-scorer for Bangladesh, averaging 52.5 in 12 games. She anchors the innings and is expected to play a pivotal role.
• Fahima Khatun: The legspinner has been sensational, picking up 14 wickets in 67 overs this year. Her variations and control will be key to stifling the Kiwi batters.
• Marufa Akter: The offspinner has impressed with her inswinger and control. With the pitch likely to assist spin, she could play a crucial role.

Head-to-Head History

In their last four encounters (all in 2022), New Zealand have dominated with two wins, while two matches ended in no results. However, Bangladesh have shown great promise in recent matches, especially against strong teams like England. The match in Guwahati could be a turning point for both sides.

Pitch and Venue Insights

Barsapara Stadium is known for its batting-friendly surface, offering good bounce and carry, especially in the first innings. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down and assist spinners. The average first-innings score at this venue is 172.0, with teams batting second having a 67% win rate.

Spin bowlers have historically excelled here, averaging just 19.03 and maintaining an economy of 4.04. Fast bowlers, on the other hand, average 30.81, finding it harder to extract consistent movement.

Squads

New Zealand Women:
Sophie Devine (c), Isabella Gaze (WK), Polly Inglis (WK), Maddy Green, Bella James, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Flora Devonshire, Brooke Halliday, Amelia Kerr, Eden Carson, Bree Illing, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu.

Bangladesh Women:
Nigar Sultana (c & WK), Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akhter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Sumaiya Akter, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Trisna, Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sanjida Akter Meghla, Rubya Haider.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: New Zealand
• Match Winner: New Zealand
• Top Batter: Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Sharmin Akhter (Bangladesh)
• Top Bowler: Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Fahima Khatun (Bangladesh)
• Most Sixes: Sophie Devine (New Zealand), Ritu Moni (Bangladesh)
• Player of the Match: Sophie Devine (New Zealand)
• Team Scores (Batting First):
  • New Zealand: 190+
  • Bangladesh: 160+

Final Verdict

Despite Bangladesh's potential and the spin-friendly conditions, New Zealand's overall strength and depth give them the edge. Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr could be the difference-makers for the Kiwis, while Bangladesh will rely on their spin twins to restrict New Zealand and chase down a total. This match promises to be a tight contest and will test the character of both teams in a high-pressure World Cup scenario.

Prediction: New Zealand Women to win.
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