There are some cricket matches that are more than just a game, and this Women's World Cup clash between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Colombo is shaping up to be one of them. With a shared history of struggles on the biggest stage and a quirky record that adds a delicious layer of tension, this isn't just about points—it's about rewriting narratives. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, celebrating her 50th ODI, made the logical choice to bat first, hoping to avoid fielding in the brutal 32-degree heat, but things quickly went south for her team.
Key Highlights
- ✓ Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss and chose to bat in her 50th ODI appearance.
- ✓ The match is being played in scorching 32-degree heat in Colombo, a key factor in the decision to bat first.
- ✓ Bangladesh's only win in their entire World Cup history came against Pakistan back in 2022.
- ✓ Pakistan suffered a major collapse, stumbling to 93/6 after 28 overs, with key batters dismissed for ducks. One key aspect to consider is
- ✓ Bangladesh's bowlers, led by Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter with two wickets each, have been exceptional.
A Fiery Start in Colombo
The decision at the toss seemed like a no-brainer. Colombo was scorching, and putting the opposition in the field first is a classic move to wear them down. Fatima Sana certainly wanted to spare her side from that grueling task. Even Bangladesh's captain, Nigar Sultana, admitted she would have chosen to bat first as well, though she put on a brave face, saying it was "okay" to field. It turned out to be more than okay—it was a blessing in disguise.
For Bangladesh, it meant a little extra time for debutant Rubya Haider to soak in the atmosphere before opening the batting. They came prepared with a spin-heavy attack, featuring four spinners in Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Shorna Akter, and Nishita Akter, with Marufa Akter as their lone seamer. This strategy would prove to be devastatingly effective. Despite not having played a match since qualifying in April, their preparation camps seem to have paid off handsomely.
The Weight of History
You can't talk about this match without looking at the history books, and frankly, they don't produce for happy reading for either side. The Women’s ODI World Cup has been a tough tournament for both Pakistan and Bangladesh. Pakistan's record is particularly stark: just three wins from 30 games in the competition's history. It’s a statistic that reflects their long-standing difficulties on the world stage.
But here’s the fascinating twist. Bangladesh has only a single victory in their entire World Cup history. And who was it against. You guessed it—Pakistan. This quirky bit of trivia adds so much psychological weight to this encounter. It's worth noting that For Pakistan, it's a chance to exorcise a demon; for Bangladesh, it's proof that they can beat this very opponent when it matters most.
The Great Pakistani Collapse
Pakistan came into this tournament looking more settled than in previous years. Their batting lineup was supposed to be a strength, with reliable contributors and power-hitters. The focus was especially on Sidra Amin, who was fresh off a series against South Africa where she scored two centuries. But what unfolded was a nightmare.
The trouble started almost immediately. In the very first over, Omaima Sohail was sent packing by a beautiful in-swinger from Marufa Akter for a golden duck. Just one ball later, the in-form Sidra Amin was also dismissed by Akter, also for a duck. What's particularly interesting is In the blink of an eye, Pakistan's hopes were dealt a massive blow. The top order was in shambles before they could even settle in. Recent reports indicate that
Wickets Keep Tumbling
The procession of wickets didn't stop there. Muneeba Ali tried to build a partnership but was caught for 17 off a delivery from Nahida Akter. Rameen Shamim showed some resistance with 23 runs before being caught and bowled by the same bowler. At every stage where Pakistan looked like they might stabilize, Bangladesh struck again. Sidra Nawaz was trapped lbw by Rabeya Khan for 15, and the sixth wicket fell when Aliya Riaz was caught for 13 off Nishita Akter Nishi's bowling.
By the 28-over mark, the score was a dismal 93 for 6. Captain Fatima Sana was left at the crease trying to pick up the pieces, but the damage was severe. The run rate hovered around a sluggish 3. 32, a testament to Bangladesh's disciplined and relentless pressure. The bowlers gave nothing away, with Rabeya Khan even bowling two maiden overs in her spell of 5 overs for just 8 runs and a wicket.
Bangladesh's Bowling Masterclass
You simply have to give full credit to the Bangladeshi bowlers. They executed their plan to perfection. Marufa Akter was the catalyst, her early double-strike setting the tone and putting Pakistan on the back foot from which they never recovered. She finished her initial spell with figures of 2 for 20 in 5 overs, a fantastic return with the new ball.
Then, the spinners took over and squeezed the life out of the innings. Nahida Akter was incredibly economical, conceding just 12 runs in her 6 overs while picking up two crucial wickets. Rabeya Khan's leg-spin was nearly unplayable at times, as her figures of 1 for 8 in 5 overs show. Every bowler contributed, building pressure with dot balls and forcing the Pakistani batters into making mistakes. It was a complete and dominant performance that left Pakistan's much-vaunted batting lineup in tatters.
Even when the batters tried to break the shackles, like when Aliya Riaz hit a boundary to ease some pressure, Bangladesh's bowlers remained composed. They stuck to their lines and lengths, constantly varying their pace and flight. The field placements were spot on, and the team's energy was high, turning a difficult fielding day in the heat into an opportunity to assert their dominance.
Conclusion
What started as a logical decision to bat first in the Colombo heat has turned into a desperate fight for survival for Pakistan. Their early collapse against a disciplined and hungry Bangladesh side has put them in a perilous position. For Bangladesh, this is a golden opportunity to not only win but to produce a massive statement at the start of their Women's World Cup campaign.
This match perfectly encapsulates the beauty and unpredictability of tournament cricket. On paper, Pakistan might have seemed the more settled side, but Bangladesh's brilliant bowling and the weight of a peculiar history have completely flipped the script. It serves as a powerful reminder that in a World Cup, past records mean very little when two determined teams take the field.
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