Tigresses sent to bowl first in World Cup opener

Bangladesh lost the toss and were put in to bowl first by Pakistan in their opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Thursday.

The Tigresses have included debutant left-handed top-order batter Rubya Haider and opted for a spin-heavy attack, spearheaded by seasoned left-arm spinner Nahida Akter. Marufa Akter is the only fast bowler in the lineup.

Pakistan, captained by Fatima Sana, also kick off their tournament with this match. As they will play all their games in Colombo instead of traveling to India, a victory here could set a strong tone for their campaign.

This marks Bangladesh's second World Cup appearance, following their debut in 2022 in New Zealand, where they secured their only win against Pakistan by nine runs in Hamilton.

Bangladesh XI: Farqana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c, wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter

Pakistan XI: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal