On Friday, 10 October 2025, the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 reaches a pivotal moment as the New Zealand Women's Cricket Team heads to Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Assam, to face Bangladesh Women's Cricket Team. Both sides arrive bruised – the White Ferns have slipped to seventh place with zero points after losses to Australia and South Africa, while the Tigers sit at the bottom, clutching a solitary win over Pakistan. The stakes? A win could keep New Zealand’s semifinal hopes alive and give Bangladesh a lifeline to climb out of the doldrums.
Match context and what’s on the line
New Zealand entered the tournament with high expectations, yet they’ve struggled to convert starts into wins. Captain Sophie Devine, captain of the White Ferns, has shouldered most of the scoring burden. After a modest 28 against Australia, she bounced back with a gritty 45 versus South Africa, but the team still fell short. A victory against Bangladesh would notch their first point and, more importantly, boost net run rate – the tiebreaker that often decides who advances.
Bangladesh, led by Nigar Sultana Padmini, captain, won their opening match against Pakistan by seven wickets, then slipped to a 178‑run outing against England. Their two‑point cushion (as reported by The Economic Times) is fragile; a loss would leave them with the same tally as New Zealand, but with a poorer run‑rate, effectively ending their tournament.
Pitch conditions and tactical outlook
The Guwahati surface has been described by local media as a "batter’s paradise" – good bounce early on, a bit of carry, and a surface that softens as the innings progresses. Fast bowlers can extract seam movement in the first ten overs, but spinners often become the game‑changers after the ball gets a touch of wear. According to the Economic Times, the new ball will aid swing, meaning teams with quality seamers stand a good chance of early breakthroughs.
New Zealand’s pace attack, featuring Amelia Kerr and the tall left‑armer Lauren Scherf, will likely look to strike early. Bangladesh, on the other hand, boasts a promising spin duo – Fahima Khatun and Marufa Akter – who could thrive once the ball slows down.
Key players to watch
Beyond Devine, the White Ferns will rely heavily on all‑rounder Amelia Kerr. She’s been in fine form in ODIs, averaging 48.2 this year and already logged a 70‑run partnership with Devine against South Africa. If she can bowl a tidy spell of 2–3 wickets, the contest could swing dramatically.
Bangladesh’s batting hopes rest on Sobhana Mostary, who posted a resilient half‑century against England, and the lower‑order power hitter Rabeya Khan, who finished that game with a quick 30‑run cameo. Their ability to rebuild after early wickets will be tested, especially if New Zealand’s opening bowlers hit the deck hard.
Predictions, betting odds and what the numbers say
Data from SportsCafe.in gives New Zealand a 76 % win probability, leaving Bangladesh with a modest 24 % chance. The model predicts a powerplay score of 50‑60 for the White Ferns and a final tally hovering between 250‑260 runs – a total that would force Bangladesh to chase at a run‑rate above four per over.
Betting platforms such as Stake.com and 4rabet have already listed the match, with odds reflecting the statistical edge New Zealand enjoys. Yet cricket is a game of moments; a sudden collapse or an inspired spell from the spin pair could flip the script. Experts from Yardbarker caution that "New Zealand’s dependence on Devine is a double‑edged sword – if she gets out cheaply, the middle order must step up, or the chase becomes a nightmare."
Historical head‑to‑head and why it matters
The two sides met for the first time in the 2022 World Cup, where New Zealand trounced Bangladesh by nine wickets. That dominant performance still looms large in the minds of the White Ferns, but Bangladesh’s squad has evolved – they now feature a more aggressive top order and a tighter fielding unit, as highlighted in a post‑match analysis from the ICC Cricket Schedule.
In the five ODIs between the nations, New Zealand has won four, Bangladesh one. However, the lone Bangladesh win came in a rain‑affected chase where the target was reduced to 150 runs. This time, the full‑length 50‑over game promises a proper test of skill.
What’s next for both teams?
If New Zealand secures a win, they leap to two points and improve their net run rate, keeping a slim route to the knockout stage alive. A loss would leave them winless after three games – a scenario that historically ends in early elimination.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, faces a make‑or‑break situation. A victory would push them to four points, likely enough to stay afloat, while a defeat could see them finish the round‑robin with zero wins, the first time a team has gone win‑less in a Women’s World Cup since 2013.
Both squads will also be eyeing the upcoming clash against Australia Women on 13 October, a match that could further reshape the group dynamics.
Broadcast and fan experience
Fans across the sub‑continent can catch the live action on Star Sports, with streaming available via the JioHotstar app. The stadium’s atmosphere is expected to be electric – the Guwahati crowd is known for its passionate support of women’s cricket, and the evening sky forecast shows scattered clouds, perfect for a high‑scoring affair without the glare of intense sunshine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this match affect New Zealand's chances of reaching the semifinals?
A win would lift New Zealand to two points and improve their net run rate, keeping a slim path to the knockout stage alive. A loss would leave them winless after three games, a scenario that historically ends in early elimination.
What are the key factors that could swing the game in Bangladesh's favour?
Early breakthroughs by fast bowler Fahima Khatun, a disciplined middle‑order partnership, and effective use of spin in the middle overs could restrict New Zealand's scoring and keep the chase within reach.
Why is Barsapara Cricket Stadium considered a batting‑friendly venue?
The pitch offers good bounce and carry early on, allowing batters to play through the line. As the match progresses the surface tends to slow, giving spinners the advantage but still supporting high scores.
Who are the standout performers to watch in this encounter?
For New Zealand, captain Sophie Devine and all‑rounder Amelia Kerr are pivotal. Bangladesh will lean on Sobhana Mostary’s batting resilience and the spin duo Fahima Khatun & Marufa Akter.
When and where can fans watch the match live?
The game starts at 3:00 PM IST on 10 October 2025 at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. It will be broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on the JioHotstar platform.
