The third fixture of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises a high-voltage South Asian derby as Bangladesh clash with Pakistan on October 2nd at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. With the first ball set to be bowled at 3:00 PM IST, anticipation runs high for what could be a decisive early battle in the group stage.
Form Guide – Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s 2025 campaign began in the Caribbean, where they endured a hard-fought ODI series against the West Indies. After slipping in the opener by 9 wickets, the Tigresses bounced back strongly with a 60-run win in the second fixture, only to fall short in the decider, losing by 8 wickets.
Their true test came at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025. They finished second in the qualifiers, winning three of their five matches in contrasting fashions: a mammoth 178-run hammering of Thailand, a tense 2-wicket escape against Ireland, and a steady 34-run triumph over Scotland. However, they stumbled against Pakistan, going down by 7 wickets, and against the West Indies by 3 wickets.
September’s warm-up matches painted a mixed picture of Bangladesh’s readiness. Their opener against South Africa was washed out due to persistent rain, but they edged Sri Lanka in a heart-stopping thriller, winning by just 1 run to close out their preparations.
Form Guide – Pakistan
Pakistan entered 2025 on a high, stamping their authority in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 on home soil. Dominating every opposition, they progressed unbeaten, showcasing both batting depth and bowling precision. Their victories came with emphatic margins — 38 runs against Ireland, 6 wickets against Scotland, 65 runs over West Indies, 87 runs against Thailand, and a statement 7-wicket triumph against Bangladesh.
Their next challenge was a home ODI series against South Africa, where fortunes swung dramatically. Pakistan suffered back-to-back defeats in the first two games — an 8-wicket loss and a narrow 25-run DLS result — but showed remarkable resolve in the third. Bowling with intent, they bundled South Africa out for just 115 and chased down the target with 6 wickets in hand, proving their ability to respond under pressure.
In the build-up to the World Cup, their warm-up fixtures offered little momentum. One game was washed out, while in the other, they fell short by 4 wickets against South Africa in a tight contest. Still, the core of their unit looks experienced, well-balanced, and ready for the big stage.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total Matches – 16
- Pakistan Women Wins – 8
- Bangladesh Women Wins – 7
This rivalry remains one of the most finely balanced in women’s ODI cricket. With Pakistan holding a slender lead by just one victory. The most recent encounter came in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 in April, where Pakistan delivered a commanding performance, chasing efficiently to secure a 7-wicket win.
With the rivalry delicately poised, both Bangladesh and Pakistan will be eager to land the first blow in Colombo, making this a contest where every moment counts.
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