Suzie Bates has played 263 internationals for New Zealand, but the Women’s World Cup clash against Bangladesh on Monday was the first time she was playing an international match at her home ground in Dunedin. The 34-year-old made her presence felt, scoring an unbeaten 79 off 68 balls as New Zealand downed Bangladesh at the University Oval by nine wickets in their first-ever ODI meeting to get their first points in the tournament.
Bates also became the second from New Zealand to cross 1000 runs in Women's World Cups, and the fastest overall to do so, in 21 innings, overtaking Australia's Belinda Clark who reached there in 22 knocks.
In the morning, rain wiped off over four hours from the game, reducing it to 27 overs-a-side contest. But Bates made full use of being in the middle to lead New Zealand's chase of 141. On a surface that was on the slower side due to its damp nature, Bates got going quickly, cutting Jahanara Alam through the off side before pulling Salma Khatun through midwicket.
However, the hosts lost Sophie Devine soon, with Salma firing in a quicker one that New Zealand’s captain failed to counter. In company of Amelia Kerr, Bates then took the attack to Bangladesh. The pair added an unconquered 108 for the second wicket to ensure they didn't face another hiccup after their loss against West Indies in the tournament opener.
Bates should have been dismissed when on 58 but wicketkeeper Shamima Sultana fluffed a stumping chance. The threat from the Bangladesh bowlers aside, a light drizzle returned around the 14-over mark and threatened to wash out the game. However, the on-field umpires’ decision of not taking the drinks interval helped New Zealand, who reached the target with seven overs to spare.
Earlier, New Zealand put Bangladesh in after winning the toss. The Bangladesh batters, though, failed to capitalise on a strong opening partnership for the second successive match in a row and could post only 140 for 8 in 27 overs.
Bangladesh had managed only two fifty partnerships for the first wicket in their first 42 ODIs before stitching two in successive games in this tournament. Fargana Hoque and Shamima gave them a start of 59 in just 56 balls; Shamima was the aggressor and was severe on Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr.
New Zealand applied brakes by introducing spin and Frances Mackay struck with her second ball to dismiss Shamima. Amy Satterthwaite then sent back Nigar Sultana and Rumana Ahmed in her first over to help the hosts claw back. In the 11 overs combined, the offspin duo picked up 4 for 49.
Hoque kept Bangladesh afloat with her 52 off 63 balls but with the New Zealand seamers taking the pace off in their subsequent spells, runs didn’t come easy. In the end, Bangladesh failed to post a total that could have tested New Zealand.