NEW DELHI: Bangladesh delivered a stellar performance, inflicting a comprehensive seven-wicket defeat on Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on Thursday. The foundation for this emphatic victory in Colombo was laid by a composed half-century from Rubya Haider, who, alongside her captain Nigar Sultana, forged a match-winning partnership.
The chase of a modest 130 runs initially saw Bangladesh falter, losing early wickets as Fargana Hoque and Sharmin Akhter departed cheaply. After 10 overs, with the score at a precarious 23 for 1, the target seemed more challenging than anticipated.
However, 28-year-old Rubya Haider demonstrated remarkable composure. After a cautious start, she unleashed a flurry of boundaries, taking firm control of the innings. Her unbeaten 54 runs off 77 balls, embellished with eight fours, was perfectly complemented by a patient 62-run third-wicket stand with skipper Nigar Sultana, who contributed 23 runs from 44 balls. This partnership propelled Bangladesh to 131 for 3 in just 31.1 overs, leaving 113 balls unused.
Bangladesh’s triumph was equally attributed to their disciplined bowling attack. Teenage pacer Marufa Akter, aged 20, spearheaded the assault on Pakistan’s top order. She claimed two crucial wickets in the very first over, dismissing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for golden ducks, leaving Pakistan reeling at 2 for 2.
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, veteran spinner Nahida Akter (2/19) further compounded the damage. She accounted for Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) shortly after the powerplay, with Pakistan struggling at 47 for 4.
Pakistan’s lower order offered minimal resistance, eventually being bowled out for a mere 129 runs in 38.3 overs. Shorna Akter (3/5) cleaned up the tail, capping off a stellar bowling effort. Throughout their innings, Pakistan managed only 14 boundaries, a testament to the precise line and length maintained by the Bangladesh bowlers.
Rubya’s stellar counter-attacking innings, combined with Bangladesh’s clinical bowling performance and strategic field placements, ensured Pakistan never recovered from their early setbacks. This commanding victory sets a formidable tone for Bangladesh in the tournament, showcasing their strength in both batting and bowling against a vulnerable Pakistan side.