MATCH REPORT
Follow UsAfter failing to get into triple figures in the first two matches of the Women's T20 World Cup, New Zealand have registered a thumping 71-run win over Bangladesh at Newlands to register their first win of the competition. As a result, they keep themselves alive for a place in the semi-final.
After electing to bat, Suzie Bates, who did not get off the mark in the first two games, led the way with an unbeaten 61-ball 81 and along with her opening partner Bernadine Bezuidenhout, she put on 77 for the first wicket to set the platform.
However, it was an unbeaten 82-run stand between Maddy Green (44*) and Bates that took the White Ferns to a formidable 189 for 3.
In reply, Bangladesh never looked in it as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Barring a 46-run stand for the fourth wicket between opener Murshida Khatun (30) and Shorna Akter (31) - two of three players to get into double digits - there was nothing much to write home about.
Bangladesh scored just 18 runs from their last 33 deliveries, losing five wickets along the way.
New Zealand were clinical with their bowling with Eden Carson leading the way with her caree-best figures of 3 for 18. Amelia Kerr, Hannah Rowe and Lea Tahuhu too were among the wickets.
Sophie Devine's side are just about in contention to make the semis. They will have to beat Sri Lanka on Sunday (February 19) and hope South Africa lose both their remaining matches - against Australia and Bangladesh by huge margins.
As far as Bangladesh are concerned, they already have one foot out of the tournament having lost all their three matches so far. They will take on South Africa on February 21 in their last game in the group stage.
Brief scores:
New Zealand Women 189 for 3 in 20 overs (Suzie Bates 81*, Maddy Green 44*; Fahima Khatun 2 for 36) beat Bangladesh Women 118 for 8 in 20 overs Shorna Akter 31, Murshida Khatun 30; Eden Carson 3 for 18) by 71 runs
Player of the match: Suzie Bates
