Bangladesh thrash Pakistan in Women’s World Cup clash | The Express Tribune

Bangladesh made a flying start to their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a dominant seven-wicket win over Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

After Pakistan were bundled out for just 129 in 38.3 overs, Bangladesh comfortably chased down the target in only 31.1 overs, with 113 balls to spare.

Opener Rubya Haider led the charge with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, hitting eight fours. She stitched together a crucial 62-run partnership with skipper Nigar Sultana, who added 23 runs off 44 deliveries. Middle-order batter Sobhana Mostary also played a handy knock of 24 off just 19 balls, laced with six boundaries.

Earlier, Pakistan’s batting collapsed after captain Fatima Sana opted to bat first. They slipped to 2/2 in the opening over as pacer Marufa Akter struck twice, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for ducks.

Opener Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) tried to steady the innings with a 42-run stand, but their dismissals triggered another collapse. Fatima (22), Sidra Nawaz (15), and Aliya Riaz (13) chipped in with small contributions, while Diana Baig’s unbeaten 16 helped Pakistan reach 129.

Bangladesh’s bowlers were on target throughout. Shorna Akter stood out with figures of 3 for 5, while Marufa and Nahida Akter bagged two wickets each. Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Nishita Akter Nishi also claimed a wicket apiece.

For Pakistan, Rameen, Diana, and skipper Fatima managed to pick up one wicket each, but their bowlers had little to defend after the batting failure.

With this win, Bangladesh secured their first points of the tournament, while Pakistan were left to regroup after a disappointing start.