Bangladesh Women beat Pakistan Women by 7 wickets:Rubya Haider, Shorna Akhter shine for Bangladesh in Women’s ODI World Cup; Marufa awarded POTM

Pakistan Women had a disappointing start to their Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign as they suffered a heavy 7-wicket defeat against Bangladesh at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan managed only 129 runs before being bowled out. Bangladesh chased down the target comfortably in 31.1 overs, losing just three wickets. With this loss, Pakistan now face a tough task ahead as they prepare to meet arch-rivals India Women on October 5. India began their tournament with a strong 59-run win over Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Pakistan’s batting collapses early Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed right from the start. In the very first over, Marufa Akter struck twice, dismissing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Ameen for ducks. Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim tried to stabilise the innings during the power play, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Muneeba scored 17 before being dismissed, while Rameen managed 23 runs. The middle order also failed to deliver. Aliya Riaz (13) and Sidra Nawaz (15) couldn’t build a strong partnership, and although Fatima Sana showed some fight with 22 runs, Pakistan kept losing wickets and were eventually bowled out for just 129 runs. Shorna Akter starred with the ball for Bangladesh, taking three wickets, while Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, and Rabeya Khan chipped in with one each. Also read: Mohammed Siraj’s Ronaldo celebration against Windies in Ahmedabad: Dhruv Jurel’s leg-side diving catch, Bumrah’s fiery yorkers; top moments, records Rubeya Haider guides Bangladesh to win Chasing 130, Bangladesh started cautiously. They lost opener Fargana Hoque early for just 2 runs, followed by Sharmin Akhter (10) in the 12th over. At 35/2, the match seemed slightly balanced, but captain Nigar Sultana (23) and Rubeya Haider took charge. Their partnership stabilised the innings and ensured Bangladesh stayed ahead. Rubeya Haider played a match-winning knock, scoring an unbeaten 54 runs. She shared an important stand with Sobhana Mostary, who added 24 not out. Together, they guided Bangladesh to a comfortable victory in the 32nd over. For Pakistan, Fatima Sana, Diana Baig, and Nashra Sandhu picked up one wicket each. Also read: ‘Had fun bowling on green-top wicket: Mohammed Siraj opens up on Test performance against West Indies; scalps four wickets in Ahmedabad Head-to-head record OF BAN vs PAK in the ODI WC This was Bangladesh’s second consecutive ODI World Cup win against Pakistan, having also defeated them in the 2022 edition. In overall ODI meetings, this was the 17th clash between the two sides, with Pakistan winning 8 and Bangladesh winning 7, while one game ended in a tie.