The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 saw Bangladesh Women announce themselves with a commanding 7-wicket win over Pakistan Women at Colombo. The Tigresses produced a complete performance — incisive bowling led by Marufa Akter and a calm chase anchored by Rubya Haider — to open their campaign in style.
Pakistan’s batting faltered from the outset, losing both openers for ducks within the first over. Only Rameen Shamim (23 off 39), Sidra Nawaz (15 off 20), Fatima Sana (22 off 33) and Diana Baig (16* off 22) offered any resistance as the side was bundled out for 129 in 38.3 overs. Marufa Akter’s (2/31) fiery burst at the top and Nahida Akter’s (2/19) miserly spell never allowed momentum to build, with regular wickets breaking the backbone of the innings.
In reply, Bangladesh cruised to 131/3 in 31.1 overs. Rubya Haider (54* off 77) played the anchor’s role to perfection, supported by skipper Nigar Sultana (23 off 44) and a quick finish from Sobhana Mostary (24* off 19). Despite losing Fargana Hoque cheaply to Diana Baig’s (1/14) disciplined bowling, Bangladesh never looked troubled in their chase.
Highlights from the match:
Rubya Haider – 54*(77)
Rubya Haider anchored Bangladesh’s chase with maturity. Her unbeaten 54, studded with 8 boundaries, provided the stability the team needed after an early wicket. Her partnership of 62 with Nigar Sultana proved to be decisive. Rotating the strike and punishing errors, she made sure Pakistan never clawed back into the contest.
Marufa Akter – 7-0-31-2
Marufa Akter struck with the new ball in a devastating opening burst, removing both Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin on consecutive deliveries, inside the first over to leave Pakistan at 2/2. Though her figures read 2/31 in 7 overs, the psychological blow of her early strikes shaped the match. Fittingly, she was awarded the Player of the Match.
Nahida Akter – 8-1-19-2
Bangladesh’s dependable left-arm spinner put the brakes on Pakistan’s innings with her control and guile. Conceding just 19 runs in 8 overs, she dismissed Rameen Shamim and Muneeba Ali at key moments. Her economy of 2.4 highlighted her value in squeezing Pakistan out of the game.
Diana Baig – 16* (22) & 8-3-14-1
Diana Baig stood tall in a struggling Pakistan side. With the bat, she remained unbeaten on 16, showing fight at the tail when wickets kept tumbling. With the ball, she delivered an outstanding spell of 8 overs, conceding just 14 runs and dismissing Fargana Hoque early. Her 3 maidens reflected her discipline, though her lone effort was not enough to defend a modest total.
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