Bangladesh kicked off their Women’s World Cup campaign with a convincing seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. The match, part of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, saw Bangladesh’s bowlers shine as they restricted Pakistan to just 129 runs before comfortably chasing the target.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, but things quickly unraveled. Bangladesh’s pace attack struck early—Marufa Akter grabbed two quick wickets in the opening over, sending opener Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin packing. Muneeba Ali tried to steady the ship with some aggressive shots, but Bangladesh’s bowlers kept the pressure on, refusing to let Pakistan build momentum.
Nahida Akter was a standout, claiming two key wickets, including Muneeba’s for a promising start. Rabeya Khan removed Sidra Nawaz, and the collapse deepened when Nashra Sandhu fell in a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal. Shorna Akter wrapped things up brilliantly, taking three wickets in just 3.3 overs for five runs to finish off Pakistan at 129 in 38.3 overs. Rameen Shamim top-scored with 23, while captain Fatima Sana made 22, but no one could mount a real fightback.
In response, Bangladesh wobbled at the start, losing opener Fargana Hoque for two runs. Debutant Rubya Haider and Sharmin Akhter struggled early, reaching just 23 for one after 10 overs. Akhter fell soon after for 10, but Rubya and skipper Nigar Sultana turned it around with a steady 62-run stand for the third wicket.
Nigar departed, but Sobhana Mostary chipped in with a brisk 24 off 19 balls. Rubya stayed unbeaten on 54, guiding Bangladesh to 131 for three in 31.1 overs for a straightforward victory. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Diana Baig and Rameen Shamim with one wicket each, couldn’t break through.
This win gives Bangladesh a strong boost in the Women’s World Cup standings, while Pakistan faces an uphill battle early on.
Brief scores: Pakistan 129 all out in 38.3 overs (Rameen Shamim 23, Fatima Sana 22; Shorna Akter 3-5, Nahida Akter 2-19, Marufa Akter 2-31) lost to Bangladesh 131/3 in 31.1 overs (Rubya Haider 54, Sobhana Mostary 24; Diana Baig 1-14, Rameen Shaheem 1-25) by seven wickets.
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