Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo
Colombo, Oct 2: Bangladesh secured a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the third match of the Women’s World Cup at the R. Premadasa Stadium, brushing aside their opponents with an all-round performance that saw them chase down a modest target of 130 in just over 31 overs.
Pakistan, opting to bat first, crumbled under pressure as their innings folded for just 129 in 38.3 overs. Bangladesh’s bowling unit, led by Shorna Akter’s sensational 3 for 5 in 3.3 overs, dismantled the batting order with clinical precision. Early breakthroughs from Marufa Akter, who dismissed Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin in the very first over, set the tone for a Pakistan collapse.
Despite a brief counterattack from Muneeba Ali, her innings was cut short in the 12th over by Nahida Akter. Rameen Shamim (23) and skipper Fatima Sana (22) offered some resistance, but with wickets falling consistently — including a bizarre hit-wicket dismissal of Nashra Sandhu — Pakistan never found momentum. Nahida and Marufa supported Shorna well, each bagging two wickets.
Chasing 130, Bangladesh had a jittery start, losing opener Fargana Hoque early. At 23/1 in 10 overs, runs were hard to come by. But debutant Rubya Haider anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 54, sharing a crucial 62-run stand with captain Nigar Sultana. Sobhana Mostary added a breezy 24* off 19 balls to close out the chase in 31.1 overs.
Pakistan’s bowlers, despite a disciplined start, failed to capitalise on early pressure. Rameen Shamim and Diana Baig managed a wicket each, but the total on the board never looked defendable.
With this win, Bangladesh got their World Cup campaign up and running in style, combining tight bowling, sharp fielding, and a calm chase to brush past Pakistan with minimal fuss.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan: 129 all out in 38.3 overs (Rameen Shamim 23, Fatima Sana 22; Shorna Akter 3/5, Nahida Akter 2/19, Marufa Akter 2/31)
Bangladesh: 131/3 in 31.1 overs (Rubya Haider 54*, Sobhana Mostary 24*; Diana Baig 1/14, Rameen Shamim 1/25)
Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets.