Bangladesh trounce Pakistan to start strong in CWC25
The Nigar Sultana Joty-led side get off to a winning start in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup with a seven-wicket win.
Bangladesh successfully chased down a target of 130 to register a comfortable seven-wicket win over Pakistan in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.
Bangladesh rode on a disciplined batting performance after their bowlers had done the early job. While Pakistan picked up three wickets in the chase, debutant Rubya Haider’s impressive half-century ensured that Bangladesh were steered home.
Earlier, Diana Baig trapped Fargana Hoque plumb before Sharmin Akhter fell in similar fashion soon after the powerplay. With two wickets, Pakistan sensed an opening while defending a modest total.
But captain Nigar Sultana Joty and Haider ensured Bangladesh stayed on course with a steady fifty-run partnership. Haider, particularly, impressed with the bat as she top scored with an unbeaten half-century.
Broadcast Details for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup
Bangladesh off to a winning start | CWC25
Bangladesh start their CWC25 campaign with a big win against Pakistan.
While Pakistan captain Fatima Sana managed to break the stand, Bangladesh were within touching distance by then and went on to seal the win with composure.
In the first innings, an all-round bowling effort would help them secure firm footing in their opening contest.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan were put under the pump right from the get-go as Marufa Akter helped Bangladesh seize advantage with two prolific in-swinging deliveries in the powerplay, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin in her opening burst.
Nahida Akter then, added further pressure on Pakistan by claiming Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim (23), who was the highest run-getter for her side, inside two overs from her first spell.
Rabiya Khan then claimed the crucial wicket of Sidra Nawaz, trapping her plumb with half of the Pakistan side back in the hut.
Marufa, spinners help Bangladesh to restrict Pakistan to 129 | Innings Highlights | CWC25
A clinical effort from the Bangladesh bowlers in their ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 opening contest against Pakistan.
While skipper Fatima Sana tried to reconstruct the Pakistan innings from the lower-middle order, the Pakistan skipper was removed at the score of 22, falling to Fahima Khatun.
Shorna Akter would proceede to clean up the tail, claiming three wickets towards the end as Pakistan finished with 129 runs on the board, a target that was chased down with 19.5 overs to spare.
Pakistan will look to bounce back in their next meeting against hosts India on October 5, while Bangladesh face a tough test against England on October 7.