Women's World Cup: Suzie Bates Helps White Ferns To A Nine-Wicket Victory

Dunedin: Veteran New Zealand batter Suzie Bates smashed an unbeaten half-century against Bangladesh on her home ground to help the home side to a nine-wicket victory in a rain-affected clash of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup in overcast Dunedin on Monday.

Playing in her maiden international game at the University Oval, despite it being her home ground, 34-year-old Bates pummelled the Bangladesh bowlers in her unbeaten 79-run essay off just 68 balls as the White Ferns surmounted the opponents' target of 140 with seven overs to spare.

This was the White Ferns' first victory in the tournament after they lost the nerve-wracking opener against the Stafanie Taylor-led West Indies by just three runs on March 4.

The 34-year-old Bates used all her experience and guile in a match that was reduced to 27 overs each side, scoring her 79 with the help of eight fours to ensure the White Ferns chased down their opponents score of 140/8 with 42 deliveries remaining.

The win sees the side rise to third on the standings behind India and South Africa, while Bangladesh remain winless from their two matches and are seventh.

Also read: Vastrakar, Rana, Gayakwad Lead India To 107-Run Win Over Pakistan

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