On Saturday (29th February), New Zealand Women created history in T20 World Cup after defending the lowest completed total (including both men’s and women’s T20 World Cup) against Bangladesh Women at Junction Oval (Melbourne).
It was a crucial match for both Group A teams in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. While New Zealand Women were all out for just 91 runs (18.2 overs) in the first innings after losing the toss, Bangladesh Women failed to chase that target and collapsed for just 74 runs (19.5 overs).
Bangladesh Women innings
In T20 World Cup history (including both men’s and women’s T20 World Cup), the 91-run is the lowest completed total that is successfully defended. The previous record was 97/7 (20 overs) by Sri Lanka Women against Bangladesh Women at Gros Islet on 14th November 2018. Meanwhile, the record in only men’s T20 World Cup tournament is 119 (19.2 overs) by Sri Lanka against New Zealand at Chattogram on 31st March 2014.
From the early in the second innings, New Zealand Women bowlers dominated over the opposition batters. Only three Bangladesh Women reached the double-digit scores at the chasing. While the wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana scored 21 runs, opener Murshida Khatun (11) and the no.3-positioned batter Ritu Moni (10) managed to score 10+ runs.
In the second innings, when Bangladesh Women were battling on 31/2, Nigar Sultana was retired hurt on nine runs. When they were struggling on 57/8, Sultana returned with her bat and continued till the end of that innings by losing her wicket.
Leigh Kasperek (3/23) and Hayley Jensen (3/11) took three wickets each in that innings while Amelia Kerr (1/10) and Sophie Devine (1/14) got one wicket each.
New Zealand Women innings
Among the New Zealand Women batters, only the top four managed to reach the double-digit marks, including only one 20+ knock. Opener Rachel Priest scored 25 runs while the first down batter Suzie bates scored 15 runs and captain Sophie Devine scored 12 runs as an opener. Maddy Green (11) was the only other player in that innings who reached the double-digit score. Out of the 91 runs in New Zealand Women innings, the first wicket partnership went for 36 runs.
Among the Bangladesh Women bowlers, Ritu Moni (4/18) bagged four wickets, and Salma Khatun (3/7) scalped three wickets. Also, Rumana Ahmed (2/17) got two wickets in that innings.