Devine, Halliday Shine in Vital Partnership against Bangladesh

Guwahati, Oct 10 (PTI): In a key Women's ODI World Cup match on Friday, New Zealand's Brooke Halliday and captain Sophie Devine stitched together a crucial 112-run partnership, recovering from an early slump to help their side post 227 for nine against Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack.

Having opted to bat first, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position early on, losing three wickets with the score stuck at 38 in just 10.5 overs. Georgia Pimmer (4), Suzie Bates (29), and Amelia Kerr quickly returned to the dressing room.

It's then that Devine (63) and Halliday (69) came together to steady the innings. Their careful approach yielded 112 runs for the fourth wicket, setting a foundation for the rest of the innings.

The trouble began for New Zealand when Pimmer was caught by wicketkeeper Nigar Sultana off leg-spinner Rabeya Khan (3/30). Just a ball later, Bates was run out, adding to the pressure. Then Kerr fell to Khan again in the 11th over.

Nevertheless, Devine and Halliday dug in, gradually reviving the innings. Halliday reached her fifty with a graceful boundary over mid-on off Nishita Akhter's off-spin, before taking the aggressive route by smashing Shorna Akhter over wide long-on for a six.

While Halliday took charge, Devine showed restraint, taking her time to build her innings. Devine did not hit her first boundary until the 38th over but followed it with another promptly.

Halliday, dealing in boundaries, attempted a shot too many and ended up top-edging a full delivery from leg-spinner Fahima Khatun to Sultana. Her 104-ball stay included five fours and a six.

Devine reached her half-century with a significant six over long-on off Nishita Akhter Nishi, marking her third consecutive fifty-plus score in the tournament. Buoyed by the milestone, she hit another six next ball but was bowled by Nishita while attempting an additional big hit.

Devine's 85-ball innings was laced with two fours and two sixes. Towards the end, Maddy Green provided support, but quick dismissals of her and Jess Kerr did not allow for a late flourish, containing the total to a modest finish.

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