COLOMBO (SNP Report): Bangladesh Women began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign on a commanding note, defeating Pakistan Women by seven wickets at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 130, Bangladesh eased to victory with 113 balls to spare, thanks to a composed unbeaten half-century from opener Rubya Haider, who anchored the chase with 54 not out off 77 balls, including eight boundaries. She was well-supported by captain Nigar Sultana (23 off 44) as the pair shared a crucial 62-run partnership for the third wicket, effectively sealing the contest. Middle-order batter Sobhana Mostary added a brisk 24 off 19 with six fours to cap off a clinical chase.
Earlier, Pakistan’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as they were bowled out for just 129 in 38.3 overs. The innings got off to a disastrous start, with opener Sidra Amin and Omaima Sohail dismissed for ducks by Marufa Akter in the very first over. Rameen Shamim (23), Fatima Sana (22), and Sidra Nawaz (15) were the only batters to reach double figures in a faltering batting display. Diana Baig chipped in with a fighting 16* to help Pakistan cross the 120-mark.
Bangladesh’s bowling unit put on a collective show, led by Shorna Akter, who claimed 3 for 5 in just 3.3 overs. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter bagged two wickets each, while Rabeya Khan, Fahima Khatun, and Nishita Akter Nishi picked up one apiece.
SCORES IN BRIEF
BANGLADESH WOMEN 130-3 in 31.1 overs (Rubya Haider 54*, Nigar Sultana 23, Sobhana Mostary 24; Diana Baig 1-17) beat PAKISTAN WOMEN 129 all out in 38.3 overs (Rameen Shamim 23, Fatima Sana 22; Shorna Akter 3-5, Marufa Akter 2-24, Nahida Akter 2-28) by 7 wickets.
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