Bangladesh Women crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in Match 3 of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Pakistan Women managed to score only 129 in 38.3 overs against disciplined Bangladeshi bowling. Marufa Akter (2/31 in 7 overs) delivered early blows, while Shorna Akter (3/5 in 3.3 overs) and Nahida Akter (2/19 in 8 overs) wrapped up the innings inside 40 overs.

Chasing the target, Bangladesh Women reached it in 31.3 overs, powered by an unbeaten half-century from Rubya Haider. Nigar Sultana played a steady supporting role, and Sobhana Mostary ensured no further damage as Bangladesh sealed a comfortable win alongside Rubya Haider.

Bowling Dominance Sets the Tone

Seamer Marufa Akter made an immediate impact, taking two wickets in the very first over. The spin trio of Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, and Shorna Akter then caused significant problems for Pakistan. Shorna impressed with career-best figures of 3 for 5, helping Bangladesh restrict Pakistan to a modest total. The victory also meant Pakistan has now won just one of their last 22 World Cup matches and three out of 31 overall.

Pakistan Struggles with Batting

Opting to bat first, Pakistan saw only Rameen Shamim and Fatima Sana cross 20 runs, with the highest partnership being just 42. Bangladesh’s debutant opener Rubya Haider anchored her team’s innings with a half-century, complementing the bowlers’ efforts. Marufa struck early, bowling Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin in her opening over, giving Amin her first golden duck since 2019.

At the other end, young offspinner Nishita Akter bowled well, but Pakistan used the sweep shot to accumulate early runs. Bangladesh responded by introducing left-arm spinner Nahida Akter, who removed both Muneeba Ali and Shamim, leaving Pakistan at 47 for 4. Aliya Riaz and Sidra Nawaz tried to counterattack, but sustained pressure led to quick dismissals, including Nawaz for 15 and Sana soon after.

Spin Attack Wreaks Havoc

Legspinner Shorna Akter added further trouble, claiming Natalia Pervaiz and creating pressure that nearly bowled Pakistan out inside 35 overs. Nashra Sandhu was dismissed hit wicket, only the second such incident in Women’s World Cup history. Pakistan managed to avoid a total collapse, finishing with a low total with 69 balls remaining.

Bangladesh Chases Confidently

Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh started cautiously against early threats from Sana and Diana Baig. Baig struck Fargana Hoque early, but the Bangladesh innings found momentum when captain Nigar Sultana opened her account with an elegant boundary. Rubya Haider joined in with aggressive strokes, hitting boundaries against Sandhu and Baig.

Despite some resistance from Pakistan, Bangladesh dominated, with Haider reaching fifty off 64 balls. With 29 runs needed from the final 24 overs, Bangladesh completed the chase comfortably, winning with 113 balls to spare.

Brief Scorecard