Bangladesh kicked off their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign with an emphatic victory over Pakistan at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Chasing a modest target of 130, Bangladesh cruised to the finish line at 131-3 with nearly 19 overs to spare. Their chase was anchored by a composed knock from Rubya Haider, who remained unbeaten on 54 from 77 balls, including eight boundaries.
Pakistan had an early breakthrough when Fargana Hoque fell in the third over for just two runs. Sharmin Akhter also departed cheaply after being trapped lbw by Rameen Shamim, leaving Bangladesh at 35-2. But a solid 62-run partnership between captain Nigar Sultana (23 off 44) and Rubya Haider settled the nerves and ensured Pakistan never found a way back into the contest.
Sobhana Mostary added the finishing touches with a brisk 24 off 19 balls, featuring six boundaries, as Bangladesh sealed a comfortable win.
For Pakistan, it was another forgettable outing with both bat and ball. Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, and Fatima Sana claimed one wicket apiece, but the lack of runs on the board left them with too much to defend.
