Rabeya three-for keeps Kiwis to 227 for 9

Kiwi skipper Sophie Devine picked up his third consecutive fifty of the World Cup with a 85-ball 63 while Brooke Halliday hit 69 off 104 as New Zealand coped with Bangladesh's spin threat to post 227 for 9 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati today.

It was a tough day out there for Marufa Akter as she managed just a wicket, conceding 58 runs in seven overs. She got the ball to swing and left Suzie Bates in tangles early on but ended up conceding 22 in her three overs in the Powerplay.

Rabeya Khan got two in quick succession while Bates was run out after 29 which saw Tigers' spinners get the game under control. Halliday built the innings at the front end and Devine remained there till the 44th over to take the score past the 170 region.

Lea Talahu's cameo four-ball 12 provided the boost at the death as New Zealand scored 74 runs in the last 10 overs to get to a fighting score on a tacky wicket. Rabeya was the pick of the bowlers with three for 30 while Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun managed one each.

NZ elect to bat after winning toss

New Zealand won the toss and asked Bangladesh to bowl in their ICC Women's World Cup clash in Guwahati today.

Suzie Bates looked to take on pacer Marufa Akter early, but while the young quick conceded 22 runs in her first three overs, Bangladesh's spin attack soon pulled things back.

Rabeya Khan struck twice, while Bates was run out after a 33-ball 29 -- laced with six fours -- leaving New Zealand struggling at 39 for three after 12 overs.

Ahead of the match, Bangladesh spinner Nahida Akter said Marufa was "doing well" after suffering cramps in the previous game against England.

"She's doing well and we're hoping she'll be ready," Nahida said at yesterday's pre-match press conference.

Bangladesh entered the fixture looking to build on their spirited performances in the tournament so far -- particularly their win over Pakistan and their close contest against England, which slipped away after a controversial reprieve for Heather Knight.

Bowling has been Bangladesh's main strength, but the side will hope for greater consistency with the bat. Rubya Haider Jhelik and Sobhana Mostary have provided solid starts, while Rabeya has impressed down the order. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty, Shorna Akter and Sharmin Akter, however, have yet to find form.

Nahida remained optimistic: "Every World Cup match is challenging. Nothing comes easy. I feel if we play a little better than we did in the last game, we can do something significant."

New Zealand, despite losing their opening games, remain a formidable side, led by in-form skipper Sophie Devine and the experienced Bates. All-rounder Amelia Kerr earlier acknowledged Bangladesh's bowling threat, saying: "Apart from the opening bowler [Marufa], they're a spin-heavy attack, and they've had a lot of teams in trouble."