Lahore, April 19, 2025: Pakistan wrapped up their ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier campaign unbeaten, securing a commanding seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in the 14th and final group match at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground on Saturday.
Opting to bat first in a must-win game, Bangladesh’s decision backfired as their batting lineup faltered against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. The visitors managed 178 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs, with left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal leading the charge, taking 3 for 28 in her 10 overs.
Captain Fatima Sana and pacer Diana Baig supported the effort with two wickets apiece, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu chipped in with one wicket each.
Ritu Moni anchored Bangladesh’s innings with a fighting 48 off 76 balls, including five boundaries. Fahima Khatun added a vital unbeaten 44 off 53 deliveries, striking four fours, to give the total some respectability.
In reply, Pakistan chased down the 179-run target with ease, reaching the mark in 39.4 overs for the loss of just three wickets. The chase was built on solid half-centuries from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz.
Muneeba top-scored with a fluent 69 off 93 balls, hitting eight boundaries, while Riaz remained unbeaten on 52 off 65 deliveries, striking six fours and a six. Sidra Amin also contributed with a steady 33 off 52 balls, including four boundaries.
Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to contain Pakistan’s batters, with Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter, and Marufa Akter taking one wicket each.
With this win, Pakistan cemented their place in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, to be held in India later this year, having already qualified with an 87-run victory over Thailand on Thursday.
Bangladesh’s fate now hangs in the balance as they await the result of the final match between West Indies and Thailand. A big win for the West Indies could see them leapfrog Bangladesh to claim the second qualification spot alongside Pakistan.
