Last Update: February 17, 2023, 23:26 IST
Star batsman Suzie Bates smashed an unbeaten 61-ball 81 during New Zealand’s 71-run win over Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s T20I. World Cup on Friday.
Electing to bat after winning the toss, New Zealand were well served by the opening pair of Bates and Bernadine Bezuidenhout as the duo shared a 77-run partnership in just nine overs to lay the foundation for a strong total. Wicketkeeper Bezuidenhout scored 44 runs in 26 balls.
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New Zealand ended their innings at a challenging 189 for three in the stipulated 20 overs at Newlands.
In reply, Bangladesh were restricted to 118 for eight with Eden Carson (3/18) and Hannah Rowe (2/15) taking five wickets between them.
In the latter stages of New Zealand’s innings, Maddy Green scored an unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls to propel her team ahead, adding 82 runs in quick time with the experienced Bates.
With her knock, Bates became the first batsman to score 1000 runs in the Women’s T20 World Cup.
Green found the fence seven times during his scintillating knock, while Bates also hit several boundaries apart from a maximum of one boundary.
The other opener Bezuidenhout hit five fours.
Captain Sophie Devine failed to open her account while Amelia Kerr scored 16 runs.
Bowling leg spin, Fahima Khatoon was the most successful bowler for Bangladesh, taking two for 36 in her full quota of four overs.
When it came time for her to bat, Bangladesh got off to a poor start, dismissing Shamima Sultana (14) for 19 runs in the third over, bowled by medium pacer Hannah Rowe.
Two overs later, Rowe struck again as she bowled Sobhana Mostari (4).
The initial setbacks put Bangladesh on the back foot and they could not recover from it.
Shorna Akhtar (31), Murshida Khatoon (30) and Shamima Sultana (14) were the only batsmen to reach double digits.
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)