In a surprising moment during their opening match against Bangladesh, Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu made an unexpected entry into the Women’s World Cup record books. She became only the second player in the tournament’s history to be dismissed ‘hit wicket’—a rare sight indeed. The last such occurrence was 52 years ago, involving Lynette Smith of International XI Women.
Sandhu’s peculiar departure, off the bowling of Shorna Akter in the 35th over, saw her score just 1 run. The incident quickly grabbed attention and circulated widely on social media, becoming a talking point among cricket enthusiasts.
This unusual dismissal was just one part of a dominant bowling performance by Bangladesh. Spearheaded by the promising young pacer Marufa Akter and seasoned spinner Nahida Akter, Bangladesh’s attack held Pakistan to a modest total of 129 runs all out in 38.3 overs on a rather slow batting pitch at the ICC Women’s World Cup.
Bangladesh’s 20-year-old pacer, Marufa Akter, delivered the initial blows, sending opener Omaima Sohail and veteran batter Sidra Amin back to the pavilion for ducks, leaving Pakistan struggling at 2 for 2. Veteran slow left-arm spinner Nahida Akter then took over, maintaining the pressure by dismissing Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) shortly after the powerplay. Her efforts effectively squashed any chances Pakistan had of forming substantial partnerships.
Nashra Sandhu’s hit-wicket dismissal only exacerbated Pakistan’s difficulties, which were already evident through a consistent fall of wickets. The team struggled to find momentum, reaching the 100-run mark only in the 30th over, and managed a mere 14 boundaries throughout their innings, with only four coming in the powerplay. Bangladesh’s clever rotation of bowlers kept Pakistan’s batters on their toes, underscoring both the exceptional skill of the bowlers and Pakistan’s clear inability to adjust.