Career-best bowling figures for Jess Kerr and half-centuries to Suzie Bates and Maddy Green steered New Zealand to an effortless eight-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first women's one-day international against Bangladesh.
White Ferns' Suzie Bates during the 1st ODI White Ferns vs Bangladesh at the Basin Reserve in Wellington. Photo: Photosport
Seamer Kerr claimed 4-23 as the tourists were restricted to 180 for eight before the White Ferns cruised home on the back of an unbroken 131-run stand for the third wicket between Bates (93 not out) and Green (59 not out).
The pair barely offered a chance in comfortable conditions for batters at the Wellington's Basin Reserve as New Zealand posted 181-2 with 19 overs to spare.
Having already swept the Twenty20 series 3-0 against Bangladesh, the home side will be confident of a repeat in the 50-over format ahead of games in Napier on Wednesday and Hamilton on Saturday.
Kerr's return was her best ever and was fully deserved, removing four of the top seven batters, including top-scorer Nigar Sultana, the Bangladesh captain who held the innings together with a disciplined 73 off 133 balls. None of her team-mates reached 30.
New Zealand's response began in nervous style, when captain Sophie Devene fell for 21 and Amelia Kerr for a golden duck, both from the bowling of Jahanara Alam (2-32).
However, it didn't deter Bates from playing shots, scoring 12 fours in her knock which came at slightly better than a run-a-ball.
Green's 59 came from 70 balls and featured five boundaries.
Devine hinted she would consider rotating her team for the remainder of the series, particularly among the bowling attack.
- RNZ