COLOMBO, SRI LANKA – Pakistan began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a decisive seven-wicket defeat against Bangladesh at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday. Bangladesh efficiently chased down a modest target with more than 18 overs to spare, exposing the fragility of Pakistan’s batting unit.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana’s decision to bat first quickly backfired as the team was bundled out for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs. The Green Shirts’ innings suffered a disastrous start when pacer Marufa Akter dismissed top-order batters Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for ducks in the very first over, leaving the scoreboard at 2/2.
Following the early collapse, opener Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim attempted to anchor the innings with a cautious 42-run partnership, but both fell in quick succession, pushing Pakistan into a precarious position at 47/4. Rameen Shamim emerged as the top scorer for Pakistan with 23 off 39 deliveries, while Muneeba contributed 17. Modest contributions from Aliya Riaz (13), wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz (15), and skipper Fatima Sana (22) guided the team past the century mark, eventually reaching 129 all out thanks to an unbeaten 16-run cameo by No. 9 batter Diana Baig.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack was led by Shorna Akter, who was exceptional, claiming three wickets for just five runs in 3.3 overs. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter supported her with two wickets apiece.
Bangladesh’s Comfortable Chase
Chasing the 130-run target, Bangladesh made light work of the pursuit, knocking off the winning runs with 113 balls remaining and losing only three wickets. Left-handed opener Haider anchored the chase with an unbeaten 54 off 77 deliveries, decorated with eight boundaries, showcasing composure and control.
She was well-supported by captain Nigar Sultana (23 off 44). The duo shared a match-defining 62-run partnership for the third wicket. Middle-order batter Sobhana Mostary provided late momentum, scoring a quickfire 24 off 19 deliveries.
For Pakistan, the struggle continued with the ball, as only Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, and captain Fatima Sana managed to pick up one wicket each, underscoring the dominant nature of Bangladesh’s victory and signalling a challenging start for Pakistan in the tournament.
