Women’s WC: New Zealand crush Bangladesh in a rain-affected match

DUNEDIN: In the fifth match of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2022, the hosts New Zealand sealed a consolidating nine-wicket victory over Bangladesh, in a rain-affected contest, here on Monday.

In the morning, rain wiped off over four hours from the game, reducing it to 27 overs-a-side contest. But Suzie Bates made full use of being in the middle to lead New Zealand’s chase of 141 with seven overs to spare.

The right-handed batter scored a quickfire 79 off just 66 balls with the help of eight boundaries, while the top-order batter Amelia Kerr also joined Suzie to put on an unbeaten and match-winning 108-runs partnership. Kerr remained not out with her 47.

For Bangladesh, only Salma Khatun managed to pick a wicket as the rest of the bowlers could provide the firepower.

Batting first, Bangladesh, despite a decent start, could only manage to post 140/8 in the allotted 27 overs as Amy Satterthwaite and run-outs caused three wickets each.

Bangladesh’s openers Fargana Hoque and Shamima Sultana provided a decent start to the side with an opening 59-runs stand before Shamima walked back to the pavilion in the 10th over after scoring 33.

Following her dismissal, the side began to lose wickets and momentum from one end but Fargana remained firm at the other and kept the scoreboard ticking single-handedly and went on to score a gritty half-century.

The right-handed batter scored 52 off 63 balls with the help of a boundary before making her way back to the pavilion in the 24th over owing to a run-out.

For New Zealand, Satterthwaite bagged three, while Hayley Jensen and Frances Mackay claimed a wicket each.

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