Women's World Cup 2025: Bangladesh defeat Pakistan by 7 wickets

Colombo (Web Desk): Pakistan began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign on a disappointing note, suffering a seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.

After opting to bat first, Pakistan were bundled out for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs, with the top order collapsing early. In response, Bangladesh chased down the modest target comfortably in just 31.1 overs, with 113 balls to spare.

Bangladesh’s run chase was anchored by opener Haider, who scored an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, including eight boundaries. She was ably supported by captain Nigar Sultana, who made 23 off 44 deliveries, and Sobhana Mostary, who chipped in with a quick 24 from 19. The highlight of the innings was a crucial 62-run third-wicket stand between Haider and Nigar, which took the game away from Pakistan.

Pakistan’s bowlers managed only three wickets, with Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, and skipper Fatima Sana claiming one each.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings got off to a nightmare start. Marufa Akter struck twice in the opening over, dismissing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin without scoring, leaving Pakistan at 2 for 2.

A brief 42-run partnership between Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) offered some resistance, but regular wickets kept Pakistan on the back foot. Contributions from Aliya Riaz (13), Sidra Nawaz (15), and Fatima Sana (22) helped push the score past 100, before Diana Baig’s unbeaten 16-run cameo lifted the total to 129.

Bangladesh’s bowling attack was led by Shorna Akter, who picked up 3 wickets for just 5 runs in a devastating 3.3-over spell. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets apiece, while Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Nishita Akter Nishi each took one.

With this dominant performance, Bangladesh secured a strong start to their World Cup campaign, while Pakistan will need to regroup ahead of their next match.