When Bangladesh Women took the field against Pakistan Women at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025Colombo, the Bangladesh side delivered a crisp 7‑wicket victory that sent a strong signal to the rest of Group A. The match unfolded on 29 September 2025 at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground, under clear skies that favored the swing of the new‑ball bowlers. By restricting Pakistan to a modest 129 runs and then chasing the target with just three wickets down, Bangladesh not only secured three points but also showcased a balanced blend of pace, spin and youthful flair.
Match overview
Fatima Sana, captain of Pakistan Women, won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision back‑fired quickly; Bangladesh’s opening bowler Marufa Akter ripped through the top order, claiming 3 for 22 in the Powerplay. Early wickets fell at 3‑0, 17‑1 and 31‑2, leaving Pakistan stumbling at 45‑3 after 9 overs. The low‑scoring side managed just 129 all out in 38.2 overs, a total that would have been competitive in many past World Cups but fell short against a disciplined attack.
Bangladesh's bowling masterclass
Beyond Akter’s spell, the Bangladesh unit kept the pressure humming. Medium‑pacers Nigar Sultana Joty (captain) and the left‑arm spinner Sadia Islam (not a primary entity, so no markup) combined for another four wickets. Joty’s captaincy shone in her field placements; she moved her bowlers into the corridor during the middle overs, forcing Pakistan into mistakes. The pitch, described by Sana as “pace‑friendly”, indeed offered extra bounce, which the Bangladesh pacers exploited with disciplined lines.
Key batting performances
Bangladesh’s chase began shakily, slipping to 23‑2 after ten overs. The turning point arrived when debutant Rubya Haider walked in at number 4. Haider, playing her first World Cup match, unfurled a composed 54‑run innings, peppered with clean drives and a deft late cut that earned applause from the Colombo crowd. Her partnership with captain Joty – a steady 45‑run stand – steadied the ship and turned the scoreboard in Bangladesh’s favour.
When Joty fell for 22, Sobhana Mostary joined Haider at the crease. Together they accelerated, adding 71 runs in just 10 overs. Mostary’s quick 31* and Haider’s unbeaten half‑century sealed the chase at 130‑3, clinching a 7‑wicket win with seven balls to spare.
Captains' perspectives
After the match, Joty praised her side’s resilience. “Losing the toss actually helped us focus on our strengths,” she said, noting that “taking wickets early in the Powerplay set the tone for the whole game.” She also highlighted the young pace of Akter, calling her performance “incredible for someone so new to the international arena.”
Conversely, Sana admitted the early collapses were costly. “We gave away crucial wickets at the start; that was the turning point,” she reflected. Sana also emphasized the learning curve for several debutants in her squad, urging them to “believe in themselves and bounce back for the next match.”
Implications for the group stage
Bangladesh’s win propels them to the top of Group A with a net run rate of +1.45, a comfortable margin over Pakistan, who now sit at the bottom with a –1.63 differential. The victory also boosts Bangladesh’s morale ahead of their next fixture against England Women, a match many pundits deem a stern test of their mettle. For Pakistan, the loss underlines the need to tighten their top‑order technique against quality pace.
Looking ahead
The tournament’s next day features England Women taking on South Africa Women at 09:30 GMT, a clash that promises fireworks and could reshuffle the leaderboard. Meanwhile, Bangladesh will be back on the field on 2 October, hoping to replicate their all‑round display against a formidable English side.
Key facts
- Match date: 29 September 2025
- Venue: Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
- Result: Bangladesh Women won by 7 wickets (target 130)
- Top performers: Marufa Akter 3/22, Rubya Haider 54* (debut)
- Group A standing after the match: Bangladesh 2 points, Pakistan 0 points
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Bangladesh's win affect their chances of reaching the knockout stage?
The three points and a healthy net‑run‑rate put Bangladesh at the top of Group A, meaning they only need a win or a decent loss against England to stay in contention for the quarter‑finals. Their early momentum also boosts confidence for the remaining group matches.
What were the key factors behind Pakistan's low total?
Early breakthroughs by Marufa Akter in the Powerplay disrupted Pakistan’s top order. Combined with a seam‑friendly pitch and a few tentative shots, the team never recovered, ending at 129 all out.
Who stood out for Bangladesh despite being a debutant?
Rubya Haider, playing her first World Cup match, delivered a composed 54‑run innings, anchoring the chase and earning praise from captain Joty for her poise under pressure.
What does Pakistan need to improve for their next game?
Sana highlighted the need for a steadier start and better handling of early swing. Adjusting the batting order and giving debutantes a clearer role could help them post a defendable total against stronger opponents.
When and where is the next match in the tournament?
The following fixture is England Women versus South Africa Women on 3 October 2025 at 09:30 GMT, continuing the group stage at the same Colombo venue.
Posts Comments
Neha xo October 3, 2025 AT 03:40
Bangladesh’s bowling attack really set the tone early, ripping through Pakistan’s top order in the Powerplay. Marufa Akter’s 3 for 22 was a textbook example of exploiting the swing-friendly conditions. The middle‑overs pressure from Joty and Sadia kept the run‑rate in check, which made the chase smoother. It’s impressive to see younger players stepping up on such a big stage.
Rahul Jha October 3, 2025 AT 03:50
Did you know Bangladesh’s net‑run‑rate now sits at +1.45? 😎
Gauri Sheth October 3, 2025 AT 04:13
It is absolutely heartbreaking to watch a fellow South Asian side crumble under the weight of their own expectations. The way Pakistan fell apart feels like a cautionary tale about complacency and not respecting the opponent. Every early wicket taken by Bangladesh reminded us that cricket is not just a game but a moral battlefield. When you see a team surrender too early you can’t help but think the players lacked the mental fortitude that should be nurtured from youth. The loss also shines a harsh light on the systemic issues within their cricket board – where talent is often ignored in favour of politics. A debutant like Rubya Haider shines, but if the senior players cannot hold their own, the future looks bleak. Moreover, the aggression showed by Bangladesh’s bowlers was not just skill, it was a statement of intent that the women’s game deserves respect. The way the crowd cheered their pace attack proves that cricket can bridge cultural gaps, yet the Pakistani side seemed oblivious. It is a sad reminder that even with resources, a team can falter if its heart isn’t in the right place. We must ask ourselves whether the current coaching staff truly believes in evolving their strategies or simply clings to outdated methods. Their failure to adapt to a pace‑friendly pitch is a sign of deeper tactical inflexibility. The emotional fallout for the fans back home will be palpable, as many had high hopes for a resurgence. In the end, sport serves as a mirror to societal values – if a team gives up easily, perhaps a broader narrative of resignation is at play. One can only hope that the lessons learned here will spark a needed reform. The lesson is clear: never underestimate the opponent, and never let pride dictate your game plan.
om biswas October 3, 2025 AT 04:30
Look, this is exactly why people keep talking about how India dominates cricket in the sub‑continent – we see the same relentless pressure in the women’s game. Bangladesh showed the kind of disciplined aggression that our own men have been practising for years. If Pakistan wants to compete they need to emulate that mentality, not hide behind excuses.
sumi vinay October 3, 2025 AT 04:40
What a fantastic performance by the Bangladeshi side! Their unity and confidence really lit up the stadium and gave us all something to cheer about. It’s great to see women athletes setting such a high bar. Keep the positive vibes coming!
Anjali Das October 3, 2025 AT 04:50
Honestly the optimism is overblown the stats show Pakistan had no chance from day one
Dipti Namjoshi October 3, 2025 AT 05:00
The emotion in the game is palpable, and it reminds us that sport transcends borders. While the result favored Bangladesh, the spirit displayed by both sides offers a lesson in humility and perseverance. It is essential to recognise the effort of the Pakistani players who fought hard despite early setbacks. Their experience will serve as a catalyst for growth, provided they engage in reflective practice. Likewise, Bangladesh’s disciplined approach underscores the value of preparation and collective belief. In the broader cultural context, such matches promote mutual respect among neighboring nations, fostering a sense of regional solidarity. Let us celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the work that remains for all teams.
Prince Raj October 3, 2025 AT 05:20
From an operational standpoint, the synergy between Bangladesh’s bowlers and batters created a high‑efficiency execution model. Their resource allocation in the Powerplay amplified wicket‑taking potential, which then translated into a low‑risk chase scenario. This kind of integrated performance pipeline is what future squads should emulate.
Gopal Jaat October 3, 2025 AT 05:30
Wow! What a spectacular display of skill and determination! The drama on the field was simply unbeatable.
UJJAl GORAI October 3, 2025 AT 05:40
Ah, another shining example of how a well‑executed plan can outshine raw talent – albeit with a few spelling mishaps that remind us we’re all human.
Satpal Singh October 3, 2025 AT 05:50
Thank you all for sharing your perspectives. It’s encouraging to see a respectful dialogue around the match.
Devendra Pandey October 3, 2025 AT 06:00
One could argue that the triumph of Bangladesh is merely a statistical anomaly, yet the narrative persists.
manoj jadhav October 3, 2025 AT 06:10
Let’s keep appreciating the sport, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, and continue supporting our teams with constructive enthusiasm!!!
Write a comment