\u201cReally pleasing for this side to get on the board,\u201d Devine said after the match. \u201cTough circumstances with the bat for both Brooke and me. But we accepted the fact that it won't be easy. And the bowlers did the rest.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After two narrow losses, New Zealand finally found their balance \u2014 built on a fighting fourth-wicket stand between Devine (63 off 85) and Brooke Halliday (69 off 104), followed by a clinical bowling display that bundled Bangladesh out for 127 in 39.5 overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Opting to bat first on a sluggish surface, New Zealand were in early trouble at 35\/3, with Suzie Bates (29) run out after a mix-up and Georgia Plimmer (4) and Amelia Kerr (1) departing cheaply. But Devine and Halliday steadied the innings with patience and discipline, adding 112 runs for the fourth wicket to guide the White Ferns out of danger.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Halliday\u2019s fluent half-century and Devine\u2019s composed knock, her second successive fifty of the tournament, formed the backbone of New Zealand\u2019s 227\/9. Contributions from Maddy Green (25) and Lea Tahuhu (12) helped the total past 220.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Devine later revealed that her innings had its own test of endurance. \u201cI was running a bit low on sugar levels. Just tried to take some sugar and jellies. Just another challenge in the conditions that are already tough. It\u2019s all part and parcel of diabetes and playing at this level,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bangladesh\u2019s bowlers, led by the impressive Rabeya Khan (3\/30), bowled with discipline early on but lost control in the final overs. Nahida Akter (1\/36) and Fahima Khatun (1\/37) provided support, while pacer Marufa Akter (1-58) struggled for consistency.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In reply, Bangladesh never found momentum. Rosemary Mair struck twice in her first spell on her tournament return, and Jess Kerr continued the damage to leave them reeling at 26\/3 inside the powerplay. Only Fahima Khatun (34), Rabeya Khan (25), and Nahida Akter (17) reached double digits as the innings folded for 127.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMair showed what we were missing with the ball upfront \u2014 attacking the stumps. Lea also bowled beautifully, and I thought she lost six kgs due to sweat, judging by her shirt! Good performance in her 100th ODI,\u201d Devine said, smiling. \u201cAnyone can beat anyone. Bangladesh pushed England the other day. With the weather around and the run rate, every point is gold. We\u2019ll take every game as it comes.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
In reply, Bangladesh never found momentum. Rosemary Mair struck twice in her first spell on her tournament return, and Jess Kerr continued the damage to leave them reeling at 26\/3 inside the powerplay. Only Fahima Khatun (34), Rabeya Khan (25), and Nahida Akter (17) reached double digits as the innings folded for 127.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on her side\u2019s limited exposure to stronger teams, she added, \u201cWe just get to play against the top sides when we play the ICC tournaments. We have a lack of experience over there. I am hoping that the bowlers will continue the same way; the batters need to step up.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n