The Gaby Lewis-led Ireland signed off their campaign on a high with a nervy one-wicket win against Scotland in their last game of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025. As a result, they finished on four points from five games, including a couple of victories.
The hosts Pakistan, led by skipper Fatima Sana were up against Bangladesh led by skipper Nigar Sultana Joty in the 14th match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2025 at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground.
Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun steer Bangladesh to a respectable total
Bangladesh got off to a worst possible start after skipper Nigar Sultana Joty won the toss and opted to bat first. They were reduced to 21/3 in the 7th over of the innings, including the wicket of their skipper Nigar Sultana Joty. Ritu Moni joined Sharmin Akhter at the crease, and the duo led some sort of a recovery with a much-needed 44-run partnership for the 4th wicket. Diana Baig broke the stand, by sending Sharmin Akhter (24 off 47 balls) back to the pavilion in the 18th over of the innings to provide the 4th breakthrough for the home side.
Another 44-run partnership for the 5th wicket between Nahida Akter and Ritu Moni propelled them past the 100-run mark. Rameen Shamim broke the stand, by sending Nahida Akter (19 off 51 balls) to provide the 5th breakthrough for her side in the 32nd over of the innings. Bangladesh eventually just posted a total of 178/9 in their quota of 50 overs.
Ritu Moni (48 off 76 balls) missed out on a half-century by two runs. Fahima Khatun (44* off 53 balls) propelled them to a total closer to the 200-run mark. Sadia Iqbal (10-1-28-3) was exceptional with the ball, while Nashra Sandhu (10-1-34-1), Diana Baig (10-1-45-2), Rameen Shamim (10-0-25-1), and skipper Fatima Sana (10-0-45-2) everyone chipped in with impactful spells with the ball for her side.
Pakistan’s top order makes light work of the run chase to remain unbeaten
Chasing a target of 179, the home side lost their opening batter, Shawaal Zulfikar, in the 2nd ball of the run chase. Marufa Akter provided the first breakthrough for Bangladesh. Sidra Amin joined Muneeba Ali at the crease and the duo stitched a much-needed 80-run partnership for the 2nd wicket to take their side closer to the 100-run mark. Rabeya Khan broke the stand, by sending Sidra Amin (33 off 52 balls) in the 18th over of the run chase to provide the crucial 2nd breakthrough for her side.
Aliya Riaz joined the opening batter Muneeba Ali at the crease, and the pair took the fizz out of the run chase with another massive 74-run partnership, taking them past the 150-run mark. Nahida Akter broke the partnership by sending Muneeba Ali (69 off 93 balls) back to the pavilion in the 34th over of the run chase, providing the 3rd breakthrough for Bangladesh. She completed her half-century before getting dismissed.
Pakistan eventually got over the line with 7 wickets in hand and 62 balls to spare. Aliya Riaz (52* off 65 balls) stayed unbeaten on a half-century and guided her side over the line alongside Natalia Pervaiz (13* off 26 balls). Rabeya Khan (10-1-25-1), Marufa Akter (6-0-27-1), and Nahida Akter (10-0-36-1) were the only wicket-takers with the ball for Bangladesh.
Muneeba Ali was awarded the Player of the Match for her crucial half-century with the bat for her side, playing a crucial role in helping the home side stay unbeaten throughout the tournament.
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