Tigresses crush Pakistan to begin WC campaign in style

Bangladesh launched their Women’s ODI World Cup campaign with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Colombo, showcasing a complete performance with both bat and ball.

Opting to field first after losing the toss, Bangladesh made an immediate impact thanks to pace bowler Marufa Akter, who struck twice in the very first over.

She dismissed Omaima Sohail and in-form opener Sidra Ameen for ducks, leaving Pakistan stunned at 2 for 2.

The early blows rattled Pakistan’s innings and although Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim tried to rebuild with a 42-run stand, their efforts were short-lived.

Spinner Nahida Akter removed both batters before they could convert their starts, and from that point on, the Pakistan lineup unraveled.

Captain Fatima Sana offered some resistance with a 33-ball 22, but no other batter could provide stability.

The highlight of the bowling attack was Swarna Akter, who delivered a miserly and lethal spell, taking three wickets for just five runs in 3.3 overs; all of them maidens.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs.

In response, Bangladesh had a shaky start, losing Fargana Hoque for 2 and Sharmin Akter for 10, but captain Nigar Sultana Joty and debutant Rubaiya Haider steadied the chase.

The pair added 62 runs together, with Joty contributing a steady 23 before falling to her opposite number Fatima Sana.

Rubaiya, on her ODI debut, was the star with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 54 off 77 deliveries, including eight boundaries, becoming only the third Bangladeshi woman to hit a fifty on debut in this format.

Sobhana Mostary added late momentum with a brisk unbeaten 24 off just 19 balls, as Bangladesh chased down the target comfortably, reaching 131 for 3 with 113 balls to spare.