Bates stars as New Zealand thrashes Bangladesh by 71 runs
The HinduStar batter Suzie Bates top-scored with an unbeaten 61-ball 81 while batting through the innings to set up New Zealand’s 71-run mauling of Bangladesh in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup here on Friday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand was well served by the opening duo of Bates and Bernadine Bezuidenhout as the two shared a partnership of 77 runs in only nine overs to set the foundation for a strong total. In the latter stages of the New Zealand innings, Maddy Green smashed an unbeaten 44 off just 20 balls to prop up her team while adding 82 runs in quick time with the seasoned Bates. When their time to bat came, Bangladesh got off to a poor start and lost Shamima Sultana with 19 runs on the board in the third over, the bowler being medium pacer Hannah Rowe.