Bangladesh Women started their World Cup journey in style, beating Pakistan by 7 wickets with 113 balls to spare in a low-scoring clash. A disciplined bowling effort led by Nahida Akter and Shorna Akter set up the win, before Rubya Haider anchored the chase with an unbeaten half-century.

Pakistan Innings

Opting to bat first, Pakistan struggled right from the start as both openers Omaima Sohail (0) and Sidra Ameen (0) fell in the very first over to Marufa Akter. At the same time, Muneeba Ali (17 off 35) tried to steady things but was removed by Nahida Akter. Rameen Shamim (23) and Aliya Riaz (13 off 43) couldn’t speed up, as the run rate stayed low. 

Though Fatima Sana (22 off 33) and Diana Baig (16* off 22) tried to fight back, Bangladesh bowlers kept striking. The last six wickets fell for just 38 runs. For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter (3/5 in 3.3 overs) and Nahida Akter (2/19) were exceptional, while Rabeya Khan (1/13 in 7 overs) was miserly. Pakistan were bundled out for 129 in 38.3 overs.

Bangladesh Innings

Chasing a low target of 130, Bangladesh lost Fargana Hoque (2 off 17) early to Diana Baig. Sharmin Akhter (10 off 30) and captain Nigar Sultana (23 off 44) added some stability but departed in the middle overs. The star of the chase was *Rubya Haider (54 off 77), who batted calmly and guided the innings with eight boundaries.

Youngster Sobhana Mostary (24 off 19)* played a quick cameo, striking six fours, to wrap up the chase in style. Pakistan’s bowlers lacked insight after early breakthroughs. Diana Baig (1/14 in 8 overs) was outstanding with the new ball, while Fatima Sana and Rameen Shamim picked up one wicket each. Bangladesh comfortably reached the target in 31.1 overs with 7 wickets in hand.

Brief Scores

Pakistan 129 all out (38.3 overs): Rameen Shamim 23, Fatima Sana 22; Shorna Akter 3/5, Nahida Akter 2/19

Bangladesh 131/3 (31.1 overs): Rubya Haider 54*, Nigar Sultana 23, Sobhana Mostary 24*; Diana Baig 1/14, Fatima Sana 1/30