Bangladesh crush Pakistan in World Cup opener

Bangladesh delivered a commanding all-round display to cruise past Pakistan by seven wickets in the first ODI of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Thursday (2 October).

From the bowlers' disciplined attack to the composed batting of Rubya Haider, it was a performance that underlined Bangladesh's growing maturity and depth in women's cricket.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan were rocked almost immediately by Bangladesh's new-ball bowlers. Marufa Akter struck with just her second delivery, dismissing Omaima Sohail for a golden duck.

Off the very next ball, Sidra Amin followed her partner back to the pavilion, trapped without scoring. By the end of the first over, Pakistan were reeling at 2 for 2, setting the tone for a tough innings.

Muneeba Ali (17 off 35 balls) tried to rebuild but was undone by Nahida Akter, while Rameen Shamim (23) offered brief resistance before falling to the same bowler. Pakistan's middle order continued to falter as Aliya Riaz (13 off 43) laboured without converting her start, and wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz (15 off 20) perished trying to counter-attack.

Captain Fatima Sana looked determined, striking three boundaries in her 22 off 33 balls, but her dismissal at 100 for 7 left Pakistan staring at a below-par total. Diana Baig (16 not out) fought valiantly at the tail, yet with little support, Pakistan's innings folded for 129 in 38.3 overs.

It was a collective effort from Bangladesh's bowlers, who exploited the conditions with precision.

Teenager Shorna Akter was sensational, finishing with three wickets for just 5 runs in 3.3 overs, including the crucial scalps of Natalia Pervaiz and Sadia Iqbal. Nahida Akter (2/19 in 8 overs) provided control in the middle overs, while Marufa Akter (2/31) gave Bangladesh the perfect start.

Rabeya Khan (1/13) and Fahima Khatun (1/32) chipped in to ensure Pakistan never built any meaningful partnerships. The bowling unit's discipline was reflected in their economy rates, with Pakistan's run rate hovering at just 3.35.

Chasing 130, Bangladesh suffered an early blow when opener Fargana Hoque was trapped lbw by Diana Baig for just 2.

However, Rubya Haider rose to the occasion, playing the anchor role to perfection. Displaying a calm temperament, she kept the scoreboard ticking with well-placed shots and punished the loose deliveries. Her unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, decorated with 8 boundaries, was the backbone of Bangladesh's innings.

At the other end, Sharmin Akhter (10) played a cautious knock before falling to Rameen Shamim, while captain Nigar Sultana added a handy 23 off 44 balls, striking five boundaries.

When Nigar was dismissed at 94 for 3, the game was still alive, but Sobhana Mostary ensured there were no nerves. The young batter smashed 24 off just 19 balls, including six fours, to finish the chase in emphatic fashion.

Together with Rubya, she guided Bangladesh to 131 for 3 in 31.1 overs, sealing victory with almost 19 overs to spare.

Pakistan's bowlers toiled hard but were left with too little to defend. Diana Baig was the most effective, returning figures of 1 for 14 in 8 overs, maintaining relentless accuracy. Skipper Fatima Sana also picked up a wicket (1/30), while Rameen Shamim accounted for one dismissal.

But the lack of scoreboard pressure and Bangladesh's composed batting denied them any real chance of staging a comeback.

For Bangladesh, this win was a statement of intent. The bowlers executed their plans to perfection, and in the chase, Rubya Haider's maturity and Sobhana Mostary's aggressive finishing highlighted the team's balanced approach.

Pakistan, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their batting collapse. Losing both openers inside the first over left them on the back foot, and none of the middle-order batters could stand up to Bangladesh's disciplined bowling attack.

Pakistan will look to bounce back against India on 5 October, while Bangladesh face a tough test against England on 7 October.

Match Summary:

Pakistan - 129 all out in 38.3 overs (Rameen Shamim 23, Fatima Sana 22; Shorna Akter 3/5, Nahida Akter 2/19).

Bangladesh - 131/3 in 31.1 overs (Rubya Haider 54*, Sobhana Mostary 24*; Diana Baig 1/14).

Bangladesh won by 7 wickets (113 balls remaining).