When Sophie Amalie Devine, captain of New Zealand Women stepped onto the crease at Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati on Friday, 10 October 2025, the fate of her winless side hung in the balance. The match was part of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), and pitted the White Ferns against a Bangladesh side fresh off a morale‑boosting win over Pakistan and a near‑upset of England.
Tournament Context
The 2025 edition features ten nations racing through a round‑robin format that runs until the end of October. Only the top four will advance to the semi‑finals scheduled for 25‑26 October, with the final set for 29 October in Mumbai. As of the Guwahati fixture, New Zealand sit on zero points after two defeats in Indore, while Bangladesh hold two points from a win and a loss.
Both New Zealand Cricket (headquartered in Auckland) and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (based in Mirpur, Dhaka) have been vocal about the stakes. "We know what a win means for our World Cup dreams," said a BCB spokesperson earlier in the week.
Match Build‑Up
New Zealand entered the tournament with high expectations, but a century from Devine against Australia in Indore was followed by a “dreadful start” that saw them tumble to 231 all out against South Africa. The collapse—from 195/4 to 231—cost them crucial net‑run‑rate points.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, have shown a growing comfort with the Guwahati pitch. The venue’s slower, turn‑friendly surface has favored their spin trio: leg‑spinner Fahima Khatun (3/16 against England) and in‑swing bowler Marufa Akter (key dismissals of Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont).
Key Players and Strategies
For the White Ferns, Devine’s aggressive batting remains the main weapon. After her century in the opening game, she’s been asked to "anchor the innings while providing fireworks" – a tall order given their recent batting implosion.
Bangladesh will likely lean on their spin attack. Khatun’s leg‑spin, which “tied England in knots,” could exploit the Guwahati surface’s extra grip. Her partner, left‑arm spinner Rabeya Khan, contributed an unbeaten 43 off 27 balls against England, showing she can bat deep if a quick finish is needed.
Middle‑order batters Sobhana Mostary (60) and Sharmin Akhter (30) have already proven they can build partnerships, so New Zealand’s bowlers will have to be disciplined early.
What’s at Stake?
- New Zealand need a win to keep any mathematical chance of reaching the semi‑finals; a loss forces them to rely on a miracle in the remaining group games.
- Bangladesh can solidify a top‑four position with a second win, improving their net‑run‑rate ahead of a crucial clash with India on 13 October in Delhi.
- The match also marks the White Ferns’ first appearance outside Indore, testing their adaptability to different conditions.
Should the Ferns fall short, their next encounter is against West Indies Women in Mumbai on 15 October – a venue that offers a different set of challenges.
Expert Take and Fan Reaction
Cricket analyst Mohan Patel (formerly with ESPN Cricket) warned, "Bangladesh’s spin is the X‑factor today. New Zealand’s top order has shown vulnerability under pressure; if they can’t handle the turning ball, the match could slip away in the middle overs."
On social media, Bangladeshi fans flooded Twitter with #BangladeshWomen, cheering their bowlers and urging Devine to “bring the aggression back”. Meanwhile, New Zealand supporters posted a mix of optimism (“We still have time”) and concern (“Need a miracle”).
Looking Ahead
The result will dictate the final‑day strategies for both camps. A New Zealand win would hand them a lifeline heading into Mumbai, where the pitch is generally slower and might suit their spin options. A Bangladesh victory would not only boost confidence but also make their upcoming game against India a potential semi‑final springboard.
Regardless of the outcome, the Guwahati showdown underscores how quickly fortunes can swing in a World Cup that rewards consistency and adaptability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect New Zealand’s chances of reaching the semi‑finals?
A win would keep New Zealand’s hopes alive, giving them a chance to qualify if other results swing in their favour. A loss eliminates any realistic path to the top four, as they would need multiple oppositional defeats and a superior net‑run‑rate, which is statistically unlikely.
Which players are expected to be the game‑changers for Bangladesh?
Leg‑spinner Fahima Khatun, who took 3/16 against England, and middle‑order batter Sobhana Mostary, who scored 60 in the win over Pakistan, are the primary threats. Their ability to both contain runs and strike early will be pivotal.
What are the pitch conditions like at Barsapara Stadium?
The Guwahati surface tends to be slower and offers extra assistance to spinners, especially in the middle overs. Teams that can exploit turn and maintain disciplined line and length generally gain an advantage.
When and where is the next match for Bangladesh?
Bangladesh faces India Women on 13 October 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. That encounter will be crucial for cementing a top‑four finish.
How can fans watch live updates of the Guwahati match?
Live scoreboards and Bangla commentary are streaming on YouTube channels such as Iqbal Sports Live, KM Punk Live, and Cricket Live 360. Telegram feed @LIVECRICKETS360 also posts minute‑by‑minute updates.