Tigresses bowl out Pakistan for 129

In a stunning display, Bangladesh bowled out Pakistan for just 129 in 38.3 overs during their opening match of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Thursday.

Pacer Marufa Akter ignited the collapse, striking twice in the first over with two pinpoint in-swingers. Spinners Shorna Akter (3 wickets) and Nahida Akter (2 wickets) then ran through Pakistan’s batting lineup, ensuring a modest total. Pakistan’s Rameen Shamim (23) and captain Fatima Sana (22) offered brief resistance but failed to build on their starts.

Tigresses Opt for Spin-Heavy Attack After Losing Toss

Bangladesh, asked to bowl first after losing the toss, fielded debutant left-handed batter Rubya Haider and relied on a spin-dominated attack led by Nahida Akter, with Marufa Akter as the sole seamer. Pakistan, captained by Fatima Sana, kicked off their campaign in Colombo, where they will play all their matches due to not traveling to India. A win here could set the tone for their tournament.

This marks Bangladesh’s second World Cup campaign, following their 2022 debut in New Zealand, where they secured a memorable nine-run victory over Pakistan in Hamilton.

Teams

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