New Zealand beat Bangladesh in low-scoring thriller

Melbourne: Hayley Jensen and Leigh Kasperek took three wickets apiece as New Zealand produced a tremendous comeback to beat Bangladesh at the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup on Saturday.

The White Ferns were up against it having been bowled out for 91 but the bowlers did the job to dismiss Bangladesh 17 runs short of the target in the first meeting between the teams at the Junction Oval. Ritu Moni's first four-wicket haul was not enough to steer Bangladesh to an historic victory in Group A, with her 4/18 the best figures of the tournament so far.

They battled in the modest chase but were dismissed for 74 with the White Ferns' effort the lowest score to ever be successfully defended in the competition.

Bangladesh kept things tight before Rachel Priest found her feet to steer New Zealand to 33 without loss after they chose to bat.

Brief Scores: New Zealand 91 all out (Rachel Priest 25; Ritu Moni 4/18, Salma Khatun 3/7); Bangladesh 74 all out (Nigar Sultana Joty 21; Hayley Jensen 3/11, Leigh Kasperek 3/23)