The Bangladesh Women`s cricket team secured a resounding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women`s ODI World Cup 2025, held in Colombo on Thursday. Bangladesh efficiently chased down a target of 130 runs with 113 balls to spare. Opener Rubya Haider was the top scorer, remaining unbeaten with 54 runs off 77 balls, while Sobhana Mostary contributed an undefeated 24 runs.
Match Summary
- Match: 3rd Match, ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup, 2025
- Date: October 2, 2025
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Result: Bangladesh Women beat Pakistan Women by 7 wickets.
- Scores:
- PAK-W: 129/10 (38.3 overs)
- BAN-W: 131/3 (31.1 overs)
Earlier, after Pakistan opted to bat first, their innings concluded at 129 runs all out in 38.3 overs. Pakistan experienced a significant batting collapse, with Rameen Shamim top-scoring with 23 runs off 39 balls and Fatima Sana adding 22 runs off 33 balls. For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter impressively claimed three wickets, while Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter each secured two wickets.
Key Highlights and Match Analysis
Bangladesh Women`s World Cup campaign began on a high note with a dominant victory against Pakistan. The match, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, showcased Bangladesh`s superior performance in both bowling and batting departments.
Bangladesh`s Bowling Dominance
Bangladesh`s bowlers took control from the outset, restricting Pakistan to a modest total of 129 runs. Pakistan`s innings suffered a disastrous start, losing their first two wickets in the opening over, as Marufa Akter dismissed Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for golden ducks. Despite efforts from Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim to stabilize the innings, Pakistan struggled, losing 4 wickets for just 47 runs. No Pakistani batter managed a substantial score; Aliya Riaz and captain Fatima Sana contributed 13 and 22 runs respectively. Shorna Akter was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for only 5 runs, including two consecutive maiden overs, while Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter claimed 2 wickets for 31 and 19 runs, respectively.
Captain`s Perspectives
Bangladesh Women`s captain Nigar Sultana Joty believed that losing the toss might have worked in their favor, as they intended to bat first anyway. She highlighted the critical importance of taking wickets during the Powerplay, a strategy they executed successfully. Joty lauded Marufa Akter, describing her as young yet mature and confident, and praised her exceptional bowling performance. She also acknowledged Rubya Haider`s impressive debut with the bat.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana reflected on the match, identifying the early loss of wickets as a crucial turning point. She emphasized the team`s need to recover and execute their strategies more effectively in upcoming matches. Fatima noted that some players were experiencing their first World Cup, which added pressure, but urged her team to maintain self-belief, as every player possesses match-winning potential. She also mentioned that the pitch conditions favored the fast bowlers.
Marufa Akter – Player of the Match
Marufa Akter, who was awarded Player of the Match, extended her gratitude to her teammates for their unwavering support, particularly Shobana Mostary, who had offered encouraging words about her bowling prowess. She also credited the team`s analyst for predicting her success two months prior. Marufa attributed her stellar performance to her consistent ability to maintain good swing, line, and length throughout the game. Humourously, she admitted to a momentary lapse of concentration when attempting a catch, momentarily unsure of the ball`s trajectory.
Bangladesh`s Confident Chase
Bangladesh`s pursuit of the target had a shaky start, finding themselves at 23/2 within the first 10 overs. However, a crucial partnership between debutant Rubya Haider and Nigar Sultana Joty steadied the innings. Joty initiated the offensive, with Rubya seamlessly taking over, playing a clinical innings to remain unbeaten on 54. Together, they dismantled the Pakistani bowlers. After Nigar Sultana Joty`s dismissal, Sobhana Mostary joined Rubya Haider to effortlessly complete the chase, securing a convincing seven-wicket win for Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh Women`s team has successfully commenced their World Cup journey with a strong and convincing victory, setting a positive precedent for their campaign. The next match of the ongoing ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup 2025 will feature England Women vs South Africa Women on October 3, 2025.
