Bangladesh Dominate Pakistan with Seven-Wicket Win in ICC Women’s World Cup Opener

Bangladesh secured a commanding seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup opener at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today.

Rubya Haider Jhilik played a calm and crucial innings, scoring 54 runs off 77 balls to guide the Tigresses to victory with 113 balls remaining.Pakistan, having elected to bat first, suffered early setbacks as Marufa Akter took two wickets in consecutive deliveries during the opening over, dismissing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin for ducks.

Nahida Akter continued the pressure, removing opener Muneeba Ali for 17 and taking a sharp return catch to dismiss Rameen Shamim, who top-scored with 23 runs.Despite brief resistance from Aliya Riaz and Sidra Nawaz, Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack ensured Pakistan were bowled out for a modest total.

Captain Fatima Sana contributed 22 before falling to Fahima Khatun, and Shorna Akter swiftly cleaned up the tail.In the chase, Bangladesh lost early wickets as Fargana Hoque fell for 7 and Sharmin Akhter at 35. Jhilik then steadied the innings with a vital 62-run partnership alongside captain Nigar Sultana. Sobhana Mostary’s quick 26 runs, including six boundaries, provided late acceleration.

An unbeaten 34-run partnership sealed a stylish win for Bangladesh.Marufa Akter was named Player of the Match for her impactful opening bowling spell.

Bangladesh will next face England on 7 October in Guwahati, India, as part of the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka.