Colombo, Sri Lanka :In a thrilling start to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, Bangladesh pulled off a commanding seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the iconic R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Thursday evening. Chasing a modest 130-run target, the Tigresses romped home with 113 balls to spare, showcasing their batting prowess and fielding discipline. This upset win not only marks Bangladesh’s opening triumph but also sets the tone for an electrifying tournament hosted across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.
The match, part of the 13th edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup, highlighted Bangladesh’s bowling dominance early on, as they bundled Pakistan out for just 129 in 38.3 overs. Reigning champions Australia, fresh off a strong start against New Zealand in Indore, will watch this South Asian showdown closely as group-stage battles intensify.
Pakistan’s Top-Order Collapse:
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s innings crumbled spectacularly under Bangladesh’s relentless pace and spin attack. The heartbreak began in the very first over, courtesy of Bangladesh’s pace sensation Marufa Akter, who was later named Player of the Match. Akter delivered two thunderbolts to dismiss Omaima Sohail and Rameen Shamim for golden ducks, leaving Pakistan reeling at 2/2.
Muneeba Ali (17 off 35 balls, 2x4s) and Rameen Shamim (23 off 39 balls, 2x4s) tried to steady the ship with a gritty 42-run third-wicket stand that consumed 63 balls. However, Bangladesh’s crafty left-arm spinner Nahida Akter struck twice in quick succession, removing both set batters in the 12th and 14th overs to reduce Pakistan to 47/4.
Lower down the order, Aliya Riaz fought valiantly, adding 20 runs with Sidra Nawaz and 24 with Fatima Sana (22 off 33 balls, 3x4s). But the middle order’s fragility was exposed as Pakistan slipped from 67/5 to 100/7 in the 29th over. No.9 batter Diana Baig provided a late flourish with two boundaries, finishing unbeaten on 16 off 22 balls, but it wasn’t enough. Pakistan were all out for 129, handing Bangladesh a golden opportunity to chase under lights at the Premadasa.
Bangladesh’s bowling stars shone brightly: Teenage off-spinner Shorna Akter was the wrecker-in-chief with astonishing figures of 3/5 in just 3.3 overs, including three maidens. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets apiece (2/31 and 2/19), while Rabeya Khan, Nishita Akter Nishi, and Fahima Khatun chipped in with one each. This collective effort underscored Bangladesh’s depth in the bowling department, a key strength that has been building since their strong showings in recent ICC events.
Rubya Haider’s Unbeaten Fifty:
Needing just 130 to win, Bangladesh’s openers fell cheaply to Pakistan’s seamers, but what followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Diana Baig struck early, removing Fargana Hoque with just seven runs on the board. Rameen Shamim then accounted for Sharmin Akter, leaving Bangladesh at 35/2 after 12 overs. Fatima Sana added to the pressure by dismissing skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (23 off 44 balls, 5x4s) in the 25th over, but by then, the damage was minimal.
Enter debutant Rubya Haider, the left-handed opener whose poise belied her inexperience. Haider anchored the innings with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, featuring eight elegant boundaries. Her composed strokeplay formed the backbone of the chase, particularly during a crucial 62-run third-wicket partnership with Joty that took the score past 100.
Haider then sealed the victory with an unbroken 34-run stand alongside Sobhana Mostary (24* off 19 balls, 6x4s), who unleashed a flurry of drives to accelerate the scoring. Bangladesh reached 131/3 in just 31.1 overs, with Haider’s half-century earning her the loudest cheers from the Colombo crowd. Diana Baig finished with 1/14 as Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the flow of runs on a batsman-friendly pitch.
This clinical chase not only avenged past defeats but also boosted Bangladesh’s net run rate, a vital factor in the round-robin format of the Women’s World Cup 2025.
Bangladesh’s Bowling Edge
Bangladesh’s victory is a testament to their strategic preparation for the tournament. Shorna Akter’s miserly spell – conceding just five runs while taking three wickets – epitomizes the young talent emerging from Bangladesh cricket. Marufa Akter’s early breakthroughs set a psychological tone, while the spinners’ control in the middle overs suffocated Pakistan’s recovery attempts.
For Pakistan, the loss exposes familiar cracks: a brittle top order and over-reliance on cameos from the lower middle. Despite Fatima Sana’s fighting knock, the team folded too easily against quality spin. With a blockbuster clash against India looming on Sunday, October 5, at the same venue – a repeat of their high-stakes Asia Cup encounters – Pakistan will need to regroup swiftly to stay in semi-final contention.
The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, featuring eight top teams including hosts India and defending champions Australia, promises more drama. After India’s opener against Sri Lanka on September 30 in Bengaluru, this Bangladesh-Pakistan thriller adds fuel to the South Asian rivalry. Fans can catch all the action live on ICC’s digital platforms, with venues spanning Bengaluru, Guwahati, Indore, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo.
Bangladesh’s skipper Nigar Sultana Joty summed up the mood post-match: “This win is for our fans back home. Our bowlers set it up, and Rubya’s debut was special.” As the Tigresses eye an unlikely deep run, Pakistan must channel this setback into motivation ahead of their India showdown.
Match Scorecard in Brief:
- Pakistan 129 all out (38.3 overs): Rameen Shamim 23, Fatima Sana 22; Shorna Akter 3-5, Nahida Akter 2-19, Marufa Akter 2-31.
- Bangladesh 131/3 (31.1 overs): Rubya Haider 54*, Sobhana Mostary 24*, Nigar Sultana 23; Diana Baig 1-14.
- Player of the Match: Marufa Akter (Bangladesh).
