In the 16th match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Fatima Sana, Pakistan’s young captain, threw a wizard-like bowling spell against England at Colombo, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs. This is currently the third among the top five best ODI bowling spells ever by a Pakistan woman cricketer. Here’s a look at Pakistan’s top 5 best-ever bowling figures in ODI World Cups.
1. Nida Dar – 4/10 vs West Indies, Hamilton
A masterclass in accuracy and control, Nida Dar dismantled the West Indian batting order in Hamilton with figures of 4 overs, 10 runs, and 4 wickets, maintaining an economy of 2.50. Her tight off spin choked the scoring rate as West Indies slumped to 87/7 in 20 overs. Pakistan chased down the target comfortably, winning by 8 wickets, and Dar’s fiery spell earned her well-deserved accolades for setting up the victory.
2. Nashra Sandhu – 4/26 vs India, Derby
During the 2017 World Cup clash at Derby, left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu delivered one of her finest spells against India. She bowled 10 overs, including 1 maiden, took 4 wickets for 26 runs, and kept an exceptional economy rate of 2.60. Her scalps derailed India’s middle order as they posted 169/9 in 50 overs. Pakistan’s batting faltered, getting bowled out for 74, with India winning by 95 runs, but Nashra’s spell remained a silver lining in an otherwise tough outing.
3. Fatima Sana – 4/27 vs England, Colombo
Young pacer and current Pakistan captain Fatima Sana continued her fine form with a disciplined 4-wicket haul against England at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Her figures of 6 overs, 1 maiden, 27 runs, 4 wickets, and an economy rate of 4.50 highlighted her ability to strike early and bowl tight lines. England managed 133/9 in 31 overs in a rain-curtailed fixture. Pakistan started strongly, reaching 34/0 in 6.4 overs, but rain forced the match to be abandoned — leaving her spell as a dominant but incomplete chapter.
4. Diana Baig – 4/69 vs India, Colombo
At the same Colombo venue, Diana Baig bowled her heart out against India in a high-pressure game. Delivering 10 overs with 1 maiden, she claimed 4 wickets for 69 runs at an economy of 6.90. Despite her breakthroughs, India’s batting order laid a strong foundation with 247 all out in 50 overs. Pakistan struggled and folded for 159 in 43 overs, handing India an 88-run victory, but Baig’s relentless energy and consistency stood out.
5. Almas Akram – 3/7 vs West Indies, Sydney
In a low-scoring thriller at Sydney, veteran seamer Almas Akram turned the clock back with an unbelievable display of swing bowling. Her figures — 7 overs, 4 maidens, 7 runs, 3 wickets, and an economy of just 1.00 showcased clinical precision. She kept West Indies batters guessing as they were restricted to 132/9 in 50 overs. Pakistan chased down the target in 47.5 overs, winning by 4 wickets. Akram’s spell remains one of Pakistan’s most economical and effective ODI performances.
From Hamilton to Colombo, Pakistan’s women bowlers have repeatedly proven their mettle with match-shaping spells. Nida Dar’s sharp off-spin, Nashra Sandhu’s accuracy, Fatima Sana’s athletic pace, Diana Baig’s fighting spirit, and Almas Akram’s old-school discipline together narrate a story of Pakistan’s deep bowling legacy one built on heart, focus, and relentless consistency.
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