Lasith Malinga was left in awe of Marufa Akter after the young Bangladeshi pacer produced a sensational delivery to bowl out Sidra Ameen in the Women’s ODI World Cup. The Sri Lankan great described it as the best ball of the tournament so far, praising Marufa’s control and skill.
Bangladesh’s only pace option in their World Cup opener against Pakistan, Marufa bowled with sharp swing and precision that stunned both opponents and spectators. Her dismissal of Ameen, with perfect seam position and late movement, became the highlight of the match.
“Pure skill. Excellent control. So far the best delivery in this tournament,” Malinga wrote on his Facebook profile.
Pakistan’s innings unravelled from the very first over. Marufa removed both Ameen and Omaima Sohail for golden ducks, reducing Pakistan to early trouble and setting the tone for Bangladesh’s dominance.
Former India captain Mithali Raj also applauded the spell. “It’s not just that she gets swing, she also bowls in the right areas. Getting swing is good, but it won’t matter if you don’t keep the right line and length. Marufa bowled with perfect line and length. She almost had a hat-trick. The pace, the way she bowled, that first over we saw, everything impressed me. This is exactly the kind of first over you would want,” she said.
Reflecting on her performance, Marufa explained that she focuses on maintaining line and length alongside using her natural swing, echoing advice given by captain Nigar Sultana Joty.
“I know my deliveries swing a lot. I try to maintain line and length. Joty apa told me the same. I don’t feel any pressure at all. Everyone gives me a lot of support. Even if a boundary is hit, everyone continues to back me,” Marufa said.
