Winless New Zealand brace for confident Bangladesh

After two losses in Indore, New Zealand finally get a change of scene and they'll hope it brings a change in fortune as well. Winless so far in this edition of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, Sophie Devine's team now face Bangladesh in Guwahati, a team they haven't lost to in seven matches across formats.

New Zealand's short campaign has been defined by moments that have undercut promising performances. Against Australia, a dreadful start meant Devine's superb hundred was all about catching up. Against South Africa, they were 195/4 but lost their last seven wickets for 44 runs to be bowled out for 231, a total they never looked like defending. "It probably puts a little bit more pressure on these remaining games, but I think that's a good thing," Devine said after the defeat to South Africa, admitting that the side hasn't managed to play a full game yet. The move from Indore to Guwahati could help; the conditions in eastern India here have offered more assistance to spinners.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, are stationed in Guwahati and will arrive in this contest with confidence and familiarity. They pushed England deep in their last match at this venue, thanks to their spirited bowling and fielding display that made chasing 179 a stretch. Fahima Khatun's leg-spin (3 for 16) tied England in knots and Marufa Akter once again impressed with the new ball. "How we fought till the last ball was incredible," captain Nigar Sultana said after the England game, proud of her team's resilience and growing self-belief.

For New Zealand, it's about reviving their campaign before it slips away. For Bangladesh, it's about proving that their win over Pakistan and fight against England was no one-off.

When: Friday, October 10 at 03:00 PM LOCAL

Where: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

What to expect: There's been some rain around in Guwahati but the pitches have been dry underneath, offering the most turn of any venue so far. Amelia Kerr mentioned in the pre-match press conference how she got "quite a bit of turn and bounce in the nets". Expect more of the same at the centre.

Team news

New Zealand: They don't have a spinner on the bench, so they could stick to the same side that they fielded against South Africa.

Probable XI: Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine(c), Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze(w), Jess Kerr, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Bree Illing

Bangladesh: Despite a muscle strain that prevented her from completing her full quota of bowling against England, Marufa is set to feature in this clash and Bangladesh are likely to be unchanged.

Probable XI: Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana(w/c), Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Shanjida Akter Meghla

Did you know?

- Suzie Bates is just 104 runs away from 6000 in ODIs, and will be just the second woman to get there after Mithali Raj (7805). Bates is also joint-second with Smriti Mandhana with the most ODI hundreds, only behind Meg Lanning's 15.

- Bangladesh have won two games out of nine in the ODI World Cup, and both those came against Pakistan.

- Lea Tahuhu is all set to play her 100th ODI.

What they said:

"Obviously it's not the way you want to start a tournament with two losses, but the dressing room's good. I think we've had some really good conversations and there's been still a lot of positives to take out from the first two games. With tournaments, you can't dwell on things. You've got to move on" - Amelia Kerr.

"If we can maintain this flow, then any team will not be able to take Bangladesh easily" - Fahima Khatun.