Often considered the less-favored teams in international women`s cricket, Pakistan and Bangladesh are set to kick off their 2025 ICC Women`s ODI World Cup journey. Their opening match on Thursday marks the beginning of a tournament where both nations aim to achieve significant incremental gains.
Pakistan, under the leadership of Fatima Sana, will play all their initial fixtures in Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, including a highly anticipated showdown against India on Sunday. Both teams secured their places in this prestigious event through a rigorous qualification process, with Pakistan having previously topped the qualifiers ahead of Bangladesh.
In the preceding World Cup, both teams unfortunately finished at the bottom of the standings. Over the coming weeks, it will require extraordinary effort and performance for them to overcome their higher-ranked adversaries.
Pakistan`s Captain Expresses Confidence
Pakistan`s skipper, Fatima Sana, voiced her team’s confidence ahead of the competition, highlighting the strategic advantage of playing all their matches at a single venue in Colombo. “We have a significant advantage playing here in Colombo and executing our skills because we know we will be playing all our matches at the same venue and under the same conditions,” Sana stated. “This familiarity will work in our favor. Our main goal is definitely to finish in the top four. I believe the conditions in Sri Lanka are quite similar to those in Pakistan, which aids our familiarity.”
Bangladesh Reflects on Growth
Nigar Sultana, captaining Bangladesh once again, emphasized her team`s evolution since their maiden World Cup appearance in 2022. “This is our second ODI World Cup,” Sultana explained. “Previously, we were inexperienced and unfamiliar with securing victories on such a grand stage. However, since then, we have played a lot of cricket both at home and abroad, and now we understand how to win matches in tournament settings. We are eagerly looking forward to this World Cup, seeing it as a great opportunity for all of us.”
Sultana also acknowledged the responsibility her team carries: “We are aware of our duty to promote cricket back home, where interest in women`s cricket is steadily growing. We believe it is time to give back to our supporters through our performances.”
Key Players and Squad Dynamics
For Bangladesh, emerging talents include the 17-year-old right-arm pacer Nishita Akter Nishi, the youngest member of the squad, and all-rounder Sumaiya Akter. Both players showcased their potential at the U19 T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Pakistan will be competing without the seasoned experience of Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar, who are no longer part of the setup. However, Sana remains optimistic about the depth within her squad. She highlighted the presence of experienced teammates such as Sidra Amin, Diana Baig, Nashra Sundhu, Aliya Riaz, and Muneeba Ali, who “have already been part of past World Cups and bring calmness and experience.” Additionally, she pointed to youngsters like Eyman Fatima, Shawaal Zulfiqar, and Natalia Parvaiz, who “bring fresh energy and skills that add depth to our team.”
Squads
Pakistan:
- Fatima Sana (c)
- Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc)
- Aliya Riaz
- Diana Baig
- Eyman Fatima
- Nashra Sundhu
- Natalia Parvaiz
- Omaima Sohail
- Rameen Shamim
- Sadaf Shamas
- Sadia Iqbal
- Shawaal Zulfiqar
- Sidra Amin
- Sidra Nawaz
- Syeda Aroob Shah
Bangladesh:
- Nigar Sultana Joty (c)
- Nahida Akter
- Farzana Haque
- Rubya Haider Jhelik
- Sharmin Akter Supta
- Sobhana Mostary
- Ritu Moni
- Shorna Akter
- Fahima Khatun
- Rabeya Khan
- Marufa Akter
- Fariha Islam Trisna
- Shanjida Akther Maghla
- Nishita Akter Nishi
- Sumaiya Akter
The match is scheduled to begin at 3 PM.
