Bangladesh produced a commanding bowling display to dismiss Pakistan for just 129 in their opening Women’s World Cup match. Nigar Sultana’s side now need 130 runs to kick off their campaign with a win.
In Colombo, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first, but their innings stumbled immediately. Bangladeshi pacer Marufa Akter struck twice in the first over, removing Umaima Sohel and Sidra Amin for golden ducks (1 ball, 0 runs), both bowled.
Pakistan slumped to 2 for 2, with Ramina Shamim and Muniba Ali attempting to stabilise the innings. However, in the 12th over, Nahida Akter took a sharp catch at point to dismiss Muniba for 17 off 35 balls. Ramina followed in the next over, bowled by the left-arm spinner after scoring 23 off 39 deliveries.
Sidra Nawaz (15 off 20 balls) was next to depart. She survived a review against Fahima Khatun’s leg-spin but was later trapped LBW by leg-spinner Rabeya Khan.
At 67 for 5, Alia Riaz and Fatima Sana tried to rebuild, adding 24 runs together in 54 balls. Their partnership ended when Nishita Akter Nishi caught Alia at long-off for 13 off 43 balls.
With Pakistan at 91 for 6, Fahima Khatun removed Fatima Sana LBW for 22 off 33 balls, leaving the visitors unable to recover. Bangladesh wrapped up the innings at 129 in 38.3 overs.
Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter claimed two wickets each, while Swarna Akter finished with an outstanding 3 for 5.
