Bangladesh began their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign with a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.
Rubya Haider Jhilik led the chase with a steady 54 off 77 balls, steering Bangladesh to the target with almost 19 overs remaining.
Earlier, leg-spinner Shorna Akter produced a remarkable spell, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs, as Pakistan were dismissed for 129 in 38.3 overs. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter supported with two wickets each, while Fahima Khatun also chipped in.
Pakistan, batting first, faltered from the outset. Marufa struck twice in the opening over, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin without scoring. Nahida then dismissed opener Muneeba Ali for 17 before claiming a sharp return catch to end Rameen Shamim’s innings, the top scorer with 23 runs.
Although Aliya Riaz and Sidra Nawaz tried to resist, Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling restricted their progress. Captain Fatima Sana added 22 before falling to Fahima, and Shorna quickly wrapped up the tail.
In reply, Bangladesh lost Fargana Hoque (7) and Sharmin Akhter (15) early, but Jhilik combined with skipper Nigar Sultana in a 62-run partnership to steady the innings. Sobhana Mostary added quick runs with 26, including six boundaries, before an unbeaten stand sealed the victory. Marufa was named Player of the Match for her decisive early strikes.
Bangladesh will next play England on 7 October in Guwahati, India. The tournament, being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
