Dunedin, October 10, 2025 — New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in their Women’s World Cup group-stage clash at the University Oval.
The White Ferns, looking to secure an early advantage in the tournament, have opted for a strong top-order lineup with Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr expected to anchor the innings. Conditions in Dunedin are bright but cool, favoring batters in the first half of the match before spinners come into play later in the day.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana said her side was prepared to bowl first, emphasizing the importance of early wickets to contain New Zealand’s scoring. “We know they’re strong at home, but we’ll look to build pressure through disciplined bowling,” Sultana told reporters before the match.
Cricket analysts say New Zealand’s decision to bat could be strategic, as teams batting first at the ground have often posted competitive totals. The pitch is expected to offer some bounce early on but gradually settle into a good surface for stroke play.
The match is crucial for both teams, with New Zealand aiming to strengthen their semifinal hopes and Bangladesh seeking their first major win of the tournament.
