Pakistan bundled out for 129 after Marufa’s opening spell and disciplined spin bowling
Rubya Jhelik Haider shines on debut with a fluent half-century in chase
Bangladesh seal second-ever ODI World Cup win over Pakistan, with 113 balls to spare
Bangladesh Women made a statement in their opening ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash, cruising to a commanding 7-wicket win over Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. It was a near-perfect display from the Tigresses, who outclassed their opponents in both bowling and batting to secure an emphatic result.
Pakistan’s innings never truly found rhythm after Marufa Akter’s sensational opening over removed Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for ducks, leaving them reeling at 2 for 2. Despite brief resistance from Muneeba Ali and Shamim, Bangladesh’s spinners Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Shorna Akter continued to chip away at the middle order. Shorna’s inspired spell capped Pakistan’s collapse, finishing with the bizarre dismissal of Nashra Sandhu who was out hit wicket. The innings folded in just 38.3 overs for 129 runs.
In reply, Bangladesh began cautiously against a probing spell from Diana Baig and Fatima Sana, but once the early threat was negotiated, captain Nigar Sultana Joty and debutant Rubya Jhelik Haider took charge. The pair steadied the chase with a composed 50-plus stand, Jhelik marking her debut in grand style with a well-crafted half-century, finding boundaries at regular intervals to put the result beyond doubt.
Bangladesh wrapped up the target with 113 balls remaining, Jhelik finishing unbeaten in a knock that showcased both composure and flair. The win, their second-ever against Pakistan in World Cup history after their triumph in Hamilton, serves as a massive confidence booster for the Tigresses while raising serious questions about Pakistan’s batting frailties heading into their high-voltage clash against India at the same venue.
BAN-W vs PAK-W, ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: Toss & Playing XIs
Pakistan women skipper Fatima Sana won the toss and elected to bat first.
Bangladesh Women (Playing XI): Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana(w/c), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter Nishi
Pakistan Women (Playing XI): Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz(w), Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana(c), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal
BAN-W vs PAK-W, ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: Captain Quotes
Nigar Sultana | Bangladesh captain: It's ok but we wanted to bat as well. It was pretty good to bat on in the warm-up games as well. We have been practicing very hard. Did a lot of camps in the break for fitness, skill-wise as well. We tried to maintain the physical health and mental condition. We have a debutant today - Rubya Haider.
Fatima Sana | Pakistan captain: We will bat first. The pitch looks good for batting, hopefully we will play good cricket. Every team is tough to beat in World Cup. If we play good cricket we can beat any team. Three new faces for us.
