Why BAN-W Lost to NZ-W in the 11th Match of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: 3 Key Reasons Behind the Defeat

Under dim lights and an electrifying atmosphere in Guwahati, Bangladesh Women have found themselves embroiled in the same thread for large parts of the time, early wickets, dwindling self-belief, and a scoreboard that appeared to be going at a snail’s pace. Chasing 228 against an impressive New Zealand attack, Nigar Sultan’s side subsided to 127 all out in 39.5 overs, having for a while seen New Zealand wobbly at 38 for 3. A hundred runs losing score, which laid open not only the technical weaknesses but far greater tactical ones. Where did it all go wrong after Bangladesh had New Zealand wobbly at 38 for 3? Let us take a look at three big reasons for this chastening loss.

The Batting Implosion — When Hope Turned into Hesitation

If cricket were a game of early mind, Bangladesh played it. Chasing 228 was not too far. Especially as their bowlers had put New Zealand on its nose in the middle of the innings. But nerves came in place of determination as soon as the batsmen went in (who cares about one innings?). After 14 overs, Bangladesh were 33 for 6. Out of it, effectively.

The openers were flabbergasted by the ball’s movement and unsure of what shots to play. Within seven overs, both Sharmin Akhtar and Rubya Haider were dismissed for nervous pokes. The middle order showed no fight; captain Nigar Sultana took in an innings of 28 balls, four runs, and the rest progressed in slow motion as she had. At one stage, they had more extras (30) than all their first six batsmen’s run tally combined (15). It was something more than a mere technical flaw: it was a collapse of confidence. There were no counterfoils to a well-thought-out plan of bowling straight and full.

The Brooke Halliday–Sophie Devine Axis — NZ’s Calm in Chaos

New Zealand were 38 for 3 – Amelia Kerr bowled, Bates run out, the pressure real. Bangladesh had the ideal opportunity to engineer an upset. Instead, Brooke Halliday and Sophie Devine opted for the long game. Between them, they put together a match-defining partnership of 112 runs, which sapped Bangladesh of energy and belief.

Halliday’s 69 off 104 balls was hardly spectacular, but it was just what the occasion ordered: good old-fashioned accumulative batting, rotating the strike, and blasting the occasional bad bowl. Devine’s innings of 63 off 85 supplies authority and patience. It was a case of repairing New Zealand’s innings brick by brick and stretching it to 227/9, a total that seemed not ample but was proved to be really gigantic on the tired pitch.

Lack of Adaptability — Old Mistakes, New Stage

If there was one theme resonating through Bangladesh’s campaign in the World Cup so far, it is the failure to adapt to the changing conditions. The pitch in Guwahati offered early movement, before slowing down later, meaning that gentle hands and patience were required qualities that Bangladesh’s batters clearly left in the dressing room.

The chase lacked impetus, inspiration, organization, and structure. There was no plan B after the failure. The team stuck to cross-batted shots to straight balls, turning down 2’s, 3’s, and singles, and not adjusting to New Zealand’s changed lines. Even the bowling before then shows a lack of sharpness at the death, giving away 48 in the last 6 overs, which by the time the umpires signalled it was 179/5. Those extra 30 runs or so accounted for the difference between a manageable chase and a mountain too high to climb.

FAQs

1: What went wrong with Bangladesh’s batting?

Their top order collapsed early due to poor shot selection and failure to handle the moving ball.

2: Who was the key player for New Zealand?

Brooke Halliday’s steady 69 anchored the innings and set up the win.

3: How can Bangladesh bounce back in the tournament?

They need better shot selection, tighter bowling discipline, and a clearer plan for middle-overs rebuilding.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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