Pakistan batter Nashra Sandhu experienced one of cricket’s most unusual dismissals during the Women’s World Cup 2025 match against Bangladesh at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. Sandhu became only the third Pakistani cricketer to be dismissed hit-wicket in a World Cup game, following in the footsteps of Misbah-ul-Haq and Imam-ul-Haq.
The incident unfolded during the 35th over’s second delivery. As Sandhu attempted to play a full-length ball from Shorna Akter, she pulled her bat back at the very last second. However, in her follow-through, her willow accidentally made contact with and dislodged the bails, leading to her bizarre dismissal. A video of this unusual moment is available online for fans to witness.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh celebrated a dominant seven-wicket victory, orchestrated by Rubya Haider’s unbeaten half-century and a crucial partnership with captain Nigar Sultana. Marufa Akter’s outstanding bowling performance played a significant role in restricting Pakistan’s score.
Rubya Haider showcased her talent with an unbeaten 54 runs from 77 balls, which included eight boundaries. Her vital 62-run stand with Sultana, who contributed 23 runs off 44 balls, helped Bangladesh comfortably chase down the target of 130 runs with 113 balls to spare.
Initially, Rubya adopted a cautious approach after Bangladesh lost early wickets. Once she found her rhythm, she accelerated her scoring rate, hitting multiple boundaries, particularly in the 19th over against Nashra Sandhu.
Bangladesh’s innings began slowly, managing only 23 runs for one wicket in the first ten overs. However, their bowlers, including Marufa Akter, Nahida Akter, and Shorna Akter, maintained tight control, ultimately restricting Pakistan to just 129 runs in 38.3 overs.
Marufa Akter delivered a decisive opening spell, sending Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin back to the pavilion for ducks in the very first over. This early double blow left Pakistan reeling at 2 runs for 2 wickets.
Nahida Akter further deepened Pakistan’s woes by dismissing Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim shortly after the powerplay, effectively preventing any substantial partnerships from forming.
Pakistan’s batting lineup continued to struggle, accumulating only 41 runs for 2 wickets after ten overs. Marufa’s impressive bowling, particularly with the new ball in her 27th Women’s One-Day International, caught Pakistan off guard.
Marufa’s first wicket came from a full-length inswinging delivery that bowled Omaima Sohail. She then followed up with Sidra Amin’s dismissal on the very next ball, as the batter was completely beaten by the significant inswing.
Muneeba Ali showed a brief display of resistance with two boundaries in the fourth over off Nishita Akter Nishi but departed soon after. Rameen Shamim followed, leaving Pakistan precariously placed at 47 for 4 in the 14th over.
Pakistan’s innings never managed to build momentum, as they consistently lost wickets. Bangladesh’s strategic and disciplined bowling changes kept the opposition under constant pressure throughout the game.