Suzie Bates stars with the bat as New Zealand crush Bangladesh
Suzie Bates and Maddy Green (Source: ICC)
A dominating day with the bat, followed by a disciplined bowling performance, helped New Zealand to beat Bangladesh by 71 runs in Match 12 of the ongoing ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.
Suzie Bates, Maddy Green powered White Ferns to 189
After electing to bat first, New Zealand Women got off to a great start as Suzie Bates and her fellow opening partner, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, added 56 without any loss in the first six overs. Shorna Akter got her side the much-needed breakthrough, removing Bernadine in her very first over of her spell. New Zealand were 84 for one wicket at the halfway mark.
The foundation was very well laid by the openers for the following batters to come. Bangladesh did try to get things back under control, removing Amelia Kerr early, followed by the wicket of Sophie Devine in the very first ball. However, Bates was still there and completed her half-century off 43 balls. Bates usually bats deep till the end after getting such a start, and it was no different today.
The veteran stood up for her side in the much-needed game, batting till the end and remained not out for 81. Mady Green complimented Bates at the other end, scoring a brisk 20-ball 44. New Zealand scored 47 off the last four overs and posted a well above-par total of 189 at the end of 20 overs.
Dominant New Zealand bowling stifles Bangladesh's chase
New Zealand (Source: ICC)
Chasing 190, Bangladesh could get going in the first six overs as they could only manage 36 on the board and lost two wickets. Nigar Sultana and Murshida Khatun did try to stitch a partnership after the powerplay. Still, they were well halted as Amelia Kerr bowled an absolute jaffa of a googly to get rid of Sultana before the end of ten overs.
Young Shorna Akter showed her potential again, smashing the New Zealand bowlers right from the word go as she tried her best to put life on the chase. Finally, however, the game was long gone, and New Zealand got it under their belt after removing Murshida and Shorna before the slogging overs.
New Zealand restricted Bangladesh to 118 for eight and won the game by a huge 71 runs. Eden Carson was the pick of the bowlers as she took three wickets for 18 runs in her four overs.
Brief Scores
New Zealand Women: 189/3 (20 Overs)
Suzie Bates 81*(61), Maddy Green 44*(20);
Fahima Khatun 2/36, Shorna Akter 1/12
Bangladesh Women: 118/8 (20 Overs)
Shorna Akter 31(22), Murshida Khatun 30(38);
Eden Carson 3/18, Hannah Rowe 2/15
New Zealand Women won by 71 runs.