Debutant Rubya Haider shines with unbeaten fifty in seven-wicket victory
Bangladesh announced themselves in style at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, cruising to a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their opening clash at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Thursday.
The victory was set up by a disciplined bowling display that restricted Pakistan to just 129 all out, before debutant Rubya Haider anchored the chase with a composed half-century to ensure Bangladesh crossed the finish line with nearly 20 overs to spare.
Bowling unit lays the foundation
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan never found momentum as Bangladesh’s new-ball attack struck early. Marufa Akter rattled the top order with two searing in-swingers to remove Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin inside the powerplay.
Spin then took charge, with Nahida Akter dismissing Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim, the latter being Pakistan’s top-scorer with 23. Rabiya Khan added to the collapse by trapping Sidra Nawaz plumb, leaving Pakistan reeling.
Skipper Fatima Sana offered brief resistance with 22 runs, but once she fell to Fahima Khatun, the innings quickly folded. Shorna Akter polished off the tail with three late wickets, sealing a clinical effort that bowled Pakistan out for 129.
Rubya Haider makes a dream debut
Chasing a modest target, Bangladesh endured an early wobble as Diana Baig removed Fargana Hoque before Sharmin Akhter also departed cheaply. With the score at 31/2, Pakistan sensed a glimmer of hope.
But debutant Rubya Haider and captain Nigar Sultana Joty steadied the innings with a composed fifty-run stand. Haider, playing with maturity beyond her years, led the chase with an unbeaten half-century that underlined her potential as a future star.
Even after Joty’s dismissal, Bangladesh were well within reach of victory, eventually sealing the win by seven wickets with 19.5 overs left.
What this means for both teams
For Bangladesh, this win is more than just two points on the board—it’s a statement of intent at CWC25. Their balance between bowling discipline and batting composure showed they can compete against higher-ranked sides.
Pakistan, on the other hand, will be left frustrated by another batting collapse that left their bowlers with little to defend. With a crunch clash against hosts India on October 5, they’ll need quick answers to stay alive in the tournament.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, face a tougher assignment against England on October 7, a match that will test their ability to build on this strong start.