Bangladesh Dominate Pakistan in Women’s World Cup Opener with a Seven-Wicket Win
COLOMBO – Bangladesh kicked off their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday. Chasing a modest target of 130, Bangladesh comfortably completed the chase with 113 balls to spare, losing just three wickets in the process.
Haider’s Half-Century Leads Bangladesh to Victory
The highlight of Bangladesh’s chase was a brilliant knock by left-handed opener Rubya Haider, who remained unbeaten on 54 off 77 balls. Haider’s knock, which included eight boundaries, anchored the run chase and guided her team across the line. She was well-supported by captain Nigar Sultana, who made a steady 23 off 44 balls, featuring five fours. The duo shared a crucial 62-run partnership for the third wicket, ensuring Bangladesh’s chase was well within reach.
Middle-order batter Sobhana Mostary also contributed significantly, scoring 24 off 19 balls, including six fours. With the target within reach, Bangladesh cruised to victory without further trouble.
Pakistan’s Batting Collapse Paves the Way for Bangladesh’s Victory
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bat first proved to be a costly one, as their batting unit crumbled under pressure, posting a total of just 129 before being bowled out in 38.3 overs. Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start when Marufa Akter dismantled the top order, removing both Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for ducks in the opening over.
The early collapse left Pakistan reeling at 2/2, and although Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim briefly steadied the ship with a 42-run partnership, they both fell in quick succession. This left Pakistan at 47/4 in the 13th over, struggling to find a foothold in the match.
Rameen Shamim was the top scorer for Pakistan with 23 runs off 39 balls, including two boundaries, while Muneeba Ali contributed 17 runs from 35 balls with as many fours. All-rounder Aliya Riaz (13), wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz (15), and captain Fatima Sana (22) chipped in with small contributions, but Pakistan’s total was too low to defend.
Bangladesh’s Bowlers Shine
Shorna Akter was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs in 3.3 overs, a remarkable spell that left Pakistan’s batters in disarray. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter also contributed with two wickets apiece, while Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Nishita Akter Nishi each claimed one wicket.
Pakistan’s tail-end resistance, led by Diana Baig’s unbeaten 16, allowed them to reach 129 all out, but it was never going to be enough against the strong Bangladesh chase.
A Comprehensive Victory
Bangladesh’s all-round performance on both ends of the match – with Haider’s composed batting and their bowlers’ exceptional spells – delivered them a comfortable victory. This win sets a positive tone for their World Cup campaign, while Pakistan will need to regroup and focus on their batting in upcoming matches.
With this impressive start, Bangladesh sends a clear message that they are ready to compete on the global stage, leaving Pakistan to reflect on their batting shortcomings as they prepare for their next encounter in the tournament.
