Match. 10 of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 promises to be an enticing contest as table-toppers of the league Bangladesh take on an inspired Scotland side at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Led by Nigar Sultana Joty, Bangladesh have been unbeaten so far with two wins from two games, having showcased their dominance with a humongous 178-run victory over Thailand and a narrow, hard-fought two-wicket win against Ireland. Scotland, on the other hand, have made quite an impression — winning three out of their four games, including memorable victories against West Indies and Thailand. Their only setback came against hosts Pakistan, where they went down by six wickets.
Squads:
Bangladesh women’s cricket team
Nigar Sultana Joty (C), Nahida Akter, Ishma Tanjim, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus Sumona, Rabeya, Fahima Khatun, Fariha Islam Trisna, Farzana Haque, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Marufa Akter, Ritu Moni
Scotland women’s cricket team
Kathryn Bryce (C), Chloe Abel, Abbi Aitken-Drummond, Sarah Bryce, Darcey Carter, Priyanaz Chatterji, Katherine Fraser, Ailsa Lister, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Hannah Rainey, Nayma Sheikh, Rachel Slater, Pippa Sproul, Ellen Watson
Players to watch out:
Sharmin Akhter
Sharmin Akhter has been in sublime form with the bat, amassing 419 runs in her last 8 matches at an impressive average of 59.86. The right-handed opener’s calm presence at the top and a steady strike rate of 75.08 have anchored Bangladesh’s innings time and again. Her consistency makes her a vital cog in the side and a player to watch out for in this clash.
Fahima Khatun
Fahima Khatun has quietly emerged as a key weapon in Bangladesh’s bowling attack. The right-arm leg-break bowler has picked up 12 wickets in her last 9 matches, maintaining an excellent economy of 4.24 and a strike rate of 23.91. Her ability to break partnerships and control the middle overs makes her a crucial asset for the side.
Abtaha Maqsood
Abtaha Maqsood has been a revelation for Scotland, leading their bowling attack with skill and consistency. The 25-year-old right-arm leg-break bowler has grabbed 21 wickets in her last 9 matches, with an impressive strike rate of 19.52 and an economy of 4.17. Her ability to outfox batters and pick up timely wickets makes her a genuine match-winner for Scotland.
Katherine Fraser
Katherine Fraser has been the standout performer with the ball for Scotland, consistently delivering breakthroughs when it matters most. The right-arm off-break bowler has claimed 14 wickets in 8 matches, boasting a tidy economy of 3.82 and a strike rate of 28.28. Her control and knack for striking in crucial moments make her a player Bangladesh will be wary of.
Pitch:
The surface at Gaddafi Stadium typically favors batters in the early stages of the match, offering good pace and bounce. In women’s ODIs, the average first-innings score at this venue stands at approximately 236, indicating a competitive pitch where bowlers need to be clever with variations.
Weather:
Clear skies with no chances of rain and temperature of about 37°C are predicted for the match day. A complete game without weather disruptions is anticipated for the day.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sarah Bryce, Nigar Sultana Joty, Sharmin Akter Supta, Shorna Akter, Abtaha Maqsood, Megan McColl, Kathryn Bryce, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Rabeya Khan, Nahida Akter
Match details:
Date – April 15, 2025
Time – 2:30 PM IST
Venue – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Broadcast – Fans can watch all the live action on the FanCode app and website.
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