New Zealand Women produced an all-round display to defeat Bangladesh Women by 68 runs in their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match at Loughborough. After Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field under overcast conditions, New Zealand piled up 193/3 before restricting their opponents to 125/8 from 20 overs.
New Zealand’s innings was built on strong contributions throughout the top order. Openers Georgia Plimmer and Suzie Bates laid a solid foundation, scoring 28 from 19 balls and 45 from 39 deliveries respectively.
The scoring rate increased significantly through Izzy Sharp, who struck an aggressive 46 off just 26 balls before becoming one of Bangladesh’s few breakthroughs. The momentum continued late in the innings as captain Amelia Kerr anchored the finish with an unbeaten 51 from 28 deliveries.
Flora Devonshire added further impetus with a rapid 20 not out from only eight balls, batting at a strike rate of 250.00. Supported by three extras, New Zealand closed on an imposing 193/3, with the rest of the batting lineup remaining unused.
Bangladesh Struggle to Contain New Zealand Batters
Bangladesh’s bowlers found it difficult to slow the flow of runs throughout the innings.
Ritu Moni was the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 36 runs from her four overs. Nahida Akter picked up the remaining wicket but conceded 48 runs in her four-over spell.
Sanjida Akter Meghla delivered the most economical performance, giving away just 26 runs in her four overs. Elsewhere, Marufa Akter conceded 46 runs from four overs, Fahima Khatun returned 0/23 from three overs, and Shorna Akter’s lone over cost 14 runs.
Facing a target of 194, Bangladesh needed a strong start but quickly found themselves under pressure.
Nigar Sultana Fights Lone Battle in Chase
Bangladesh’s chase never fully gathered momentum despite a determined effort from captain Nigar Sultana, who remained unbeaten on 32 from 33 balls.
Dilara Akter was run out early for 5, while Juairiya Ferdous briefly lifted the scoring rate with a quick 26 off 15 deliveries before falling to Lea Tahuhu.
The remainder of the batting lineup struggled to build partnerships. Sharmin Akhter managed 4, Taj Nehar contributed 13, and Shorna Akter added 9 before becoming one of Nensi Patel’s victims.
Patel also dismissed Ritu Moni for 10 and trapped Fahima Khatun lbw without scoring. Nahida Akter offered some late resistance with 17 from 14 balls before Rosemary Mair accounted for her, while Rabeya Khan finished unbeaten on 1.
Bangladesh eventually closed on 125/8, well short of the target.
Nensi Patel Stars with the Ball
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained control throughout the chase and never allowed Bangladesh to gain momentum.
Nensi Patel delivered the standout performance, ripping through the middle and lower order to finish with outstanding figures of 4/18 from three overs.
Lea Tahuhu provided early control with 1/12 from three overs, while Flora Devonshire matched that discipline with figures of 1/14 from her three-over spell.
Rosemary Mair chipped in with 1/22 from three overs, while Jess Kerr (0/28), Amelia Kerr (0/20), and Suzie Bates (0/11) all remained wicketless but contributed to the sustained pressure that kept Bangladesh in check.
New Zealand Dominate Warm-Up Clash
New Zealand’s victory was built on a powerful batting display led by Amelia Kerr’s unbeaten half-century, supported by valuable contributions from Izzy Sharp and Suzie Bates. The bowlers then completed the job, with Nensi Patel’s superb four-wicket haul proving decisive.
For Bangladesh, the decision to field first did not produce the desired outcome as the bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s batting lineup. The chase was further hampered by a lack of substantial partnerships, leaving captain Nigar Sultana with too much work to do as New Zealand secured a comprehensive 68-run win.
