New Zealand Faces Do-Or-Die Match Against Bangladesh in Women's ODI

Guwahati, Oct 9 (PTI) - New Zealand, the former ICC Women's World ODI Cup champions, face a critical challenge against a spin-confident Bangladesh at the ACA Barsapara Stadium this Friday. The White Ferns, champions in 2000, find themselves in a precarious position after two consecutive losses. A third defeat would put them at risk of an early exit from the tournament. Meanwhile, Bangladesh is set to secure its place in the top four with a second win from three matches.

Bangladesh's reliance on a well-rounded spin attack has been a pivotal strength, especially on the slow, turning surface in Guwahati that evolves as matches progress. The team is looking to bounce back after their defeat against England. Nahida Akter, the vice-captain and left-arm orthodox bowler, leads this spin quartet. She has been crucial in leveraging her variety and control to trouble opposing batters.

Nahida, who has become Bangladesh's leading wicket-taker across formats, is key against a New Zealand lineup struggling against spin. Her support comes from leg-spin bowlers Fahima Khatun and Rabeya Khan, both contributing important runs down the order in the match against England. Moreover, 18-year-old Shorna Akter is making a significant impact with excellent figures of 3/5 from 3.3 overs in their dominant win over Pakistan.

Pacer Marufa Akter, who impressed with her 2/31 against Pakistan, will aim to capitalize on the new ball, generating early swings to challenge New Zealand's faltering openers. Veteran Suzie Bates has faced pressure, suffering successive ducks.

Bangladesh registered a commanding seven-wicket victory against Pakistan, dismissing them for just 129, showcasing both bowling discipline and batting composure in the chase. Nevertheless, their batting lineup remains a concern as Captain Nigar Sultana seeks the right balance. Experimenting with openers, like the decision to promote Sharmin Akter, did not pay off as they collapsed to 178 in 49.4 overs against England.

For New Zealand, a decisive turnaround is critical. Despite promising starts, they have failed to capitalize, losing steam and matches from strong positions. In their game against South Africa, they crashed from 101 for 2 to 231 all out, undone by left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba's pivotal 4/40.

Captain Sophie Devine remains a consistent performer, leading with scores of 112 and 85 while chipping in with medium pace. Although Brooke Halliday provides middle order support, the rest of the lineup struggles with consistency and form. Veteran opener Suzie Bates, in particular, is under pressure to regain form, while Georgia Plimmer struggles with strike rotation at the top.

The White Ferns need to aim for a competitive score, ideally over 250 if batting first, to offer a solid target for their bowlers against an inexperienced Bangladesh batting lineup. The pitch in Guwahati has consistently tested batters' endurance, with previous matches here reflecting challenging conditions. India had to work hard for their match-winning 269/8 against Sri Lanka, while subsequent fixtures witnessed South Africa's collapse to 69 against England, and Bangladesh folding for 178.

Teams (from):
Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Farzana Haque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter.
New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu.

Match starts: 3pm IST.

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