Bangladesh suffered a heavy 100-run loss to New Zealand at the Women’s ODI World Cup, crumbling in pursuit of a 228-run target to leave their semi-final hopes badly dented.

Chasing 228, the Bangladesh top order unraveled almost immediately. Openers Rubya Akter (4) and Sharmin Akter (3) departed with only 13 on the board, and the slide continued as captain Nigar Sultana Joty managed just 4 off 28 balls and Sobhana Mostary fell for 2. Six wickets were down by 33, forcing the lower middle order into damage limitation.

Fahima Khatun and Nahida Akter briefly stemmed the collapse with a 33-run stand, and Fahima’s 34 from 80 balls reduced the margin of defeat. But the innings ended at 39.5 overs with all ten wickets down, consigning Bangladesh to their heaviest defeat of the tournament. Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu led New Zealand’s attack with three wickets apiece.

Earlier, New Zealand posted a competitive 227 for nine after being rocked early by Bangladesh’s spinners. Three wickets fell inside the first 11 overs—Georgia Plimmer (4), Suzie Bates (29) and Amelia Kerr (1)—leaving the Kiwis 35 for three. 

Captain Sophie Devine and Brooke Halliday then reclaimed the initiative with a composed 112-run fourth-wicket partnership. Devine struck 63 off 85 balls with two sixes and two fours, while Halliday top-scored with a measured 69 from 104 deliveries, including five fours and a six.

Late contributions from Maddy Green (25) and Tahuhu (12) nudged New Zealand to 227, despite losing four wickets for 36 in the final five overs. Leg-spinner Rabeya Khan was outstanding for Bangladesh, taking three for 30 in her 10 overs, while Nahida Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi, Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter claimed one apiece.

The victory handed New Zealand their first win of the tournament and left Bangladesh facing a steep climb to stay in semi-final contention.

SMS/