Bangladesh began their World Cup campaign with renewed determination, seeking redemption against Pakistan in Colombo. Leading that charge was 20-year-old fast bowler Marufa Akter, who produced a stunning opening spell that rocked Pakistan’s top order and set the tone for the contest.
Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Pakistan were immediately put under pressure. Off the fifth ball of the very first over of the innings, Marufa bowled an absolute peach to dismiss opener Omaima Sohail. The delivery, a full inswinger pitched just outside off, jagged back sharply to beat Sohail’s tentative defense and crash into the leg stump. A golden duck for Sohail and a dream start for Bangladesh.
The breakthrough electrified the field, with Marufa pumping her fist in celebration as teammates swarmed around her. Within moments, she struck again in similar fashion, removing Sidra Amin, the in-form batter of Pakistan, who fell without scoring for the first time in six years of ODI cricket. Pakistan were suddenly reeling at 2 for 2 in the opening over, shell-shocked by the pace and movement of the young right-arm quick.
With two wickets in two balls, Muneeba Ali faced the hat-trick ball and survived. She offered a brief resistance, grinding out 17 runs from 35 balls, but she too couldn’t break free as Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained relentless discipline. At the 14-over mark, Pakistan were struggling at 47 for 4, scoring at just 3.35 runs an over, a clear reflection of Bangladesh’s control with the ball and in the field.
Marufa finished her opening spell with figures of 4 overs, 2 wickets for just 13 runs, without conceding a single extra. Her fiery start, backed by sharp fielding and disciplined support bowling, ensured Pakistan were pinned down from the outset. As Pakistan continued to collapse to Pakistan’s spin, Marufa was brought back and though wicketless in this spell, she finished with figures of 2/31 (7).
For Marufa, this was another step forward in an already promising career. In just 25 ODI bowling innings, she has claimed 20 wickets, with best figures of 4 for 29. But this spell against Pakistan may well stand out as one of her most impactful, not just for the wickets but for the momentum it handed Bangladesh in a crucial World Cup clash.
With Pakistan’s top order dismantled early, Bangladesh’s bowlers and fielders grew in confidence, flipping the script from past encounters. And at the heart of it was Marufa Akter, celebrating every breakthrough with youthful passion, driving her side towards redemption.
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