Colombo, October 2, 2025: Bangladesh opened their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign in style, cruising to a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a modest 130-run target, Bangladesh wrapped up the match with 113 balls to spare, thanks to a composed unbeaten 54 off 77 balls from opener Rubya Haider, who struck eight boundaries. She anchored the chase alongside skipper Nigar Sultana (23 off 44, five fours) in a 62-run stand for the third wicket, while Sobhana Mostary added a brisk 24 from 19 deliveries.
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting order faltered after captain Fatima Sana opted to bat first. They were bundled out for just 129 in 38.3 overs. Left-arm pacer Marufa Akter struck early, dismissing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for ducks in the opening over. Pakistan slipped to 47/4 before Rameen Shamim (23) and Muneeba Ali (17) offered brief resistance.
Lower-order contributions from Fatima Sana (22), Sidra Nawaz (15), and Aliya Riaz (13) pushed the score past 100, while Diana Baig chipped in with an unbeaten 16 to take them to 129 all out.
Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Shorna Akter starring with figures of 3/5 in 3.3 overs. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets each, while Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Nishita Akter Nishi picked up one apiece.
Pakistan managed only three wickets in defence — Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, and Fatima Sana taking one each — as Bangladesh wrapped up a commanding win to begin their campaign on a high.
