From Qualification Drama to World Cup Clash
Few sporting stories capture the rollercoaster of emotions quite like Bangladesh’s qualification journey for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. On April 19, the team walked off the field in despair after losing to Pakistan in the Qualifier, convinced their World Cup dreams were over. With the West Indies tipped to advance on Net Run Rate later that evening against Thailand, Bangladesh players were bracing for heartbreak.
Captain Nigar Sultana Joty, overwhelmed by the defeat, hid away from her teammates, unable to watch the final fixture unfold. What she didn’t know was that the West Indies had stumbled, falling just short of the required margin—and Bangladesh had secured their ticket to the main event.
The surprising bearer of this news? None other than Fatima Sana, the Pakistan captain who had beaten her earlier that day.
“I was walking around the balcony thinking about what more I could have done,” Nigar recalled in an interview with ICC Digital. “Then I got a call from Fatima and some of the Pakistan players telling me we had qualified. I couldn’t believe it.” Moments later, she was embraced by ecstatic teammates in what she described as a “beautiful moment.”
A Friendship Beyond Cricket
Nigar and Fatima’s bond stretches beyond the boundary ropes. Having shared a dressing room during the 2023 FairBreak Invitational, the pair built a strong friendship, often swapping cricketing tips and enjoying time together off the field.
“We’re very much buddies,” Nigar said. “Whenever we get to play together, we talk too much and have so much fun.”
Fatima echoed those sentiments. “She’s my good friend. She gives me confidence in my batting because I want to become a good all-rounder. Off the field, she always looked after me when I was one of the younger players.”
But all goodwill will be set aside in Colombo on Thursday, when the two captains lead their sides in a crucial group-stage encounter that could shape the path to the semifinals.
Rivalry Takes Center Stage
When the first ball is bowled, there will be no room for sentiment. Nigar knows exactly how dangerous her opposite number can be.
“Once the match starts, I don’t see Fatima as my friend. She’s my opponent, and she’ll be trying to get me out,” the Bangladesh skipper said. “But after the game, we’re back to being friends again.”
Fatima, for her part, already has one up on Nigar—she dismissed the Bangladesh captain during their World Cup clash in 2022, even though Bangladesh had the last laugh with a dramatic win in Hamilton.
Still just 22, Fatima has risen quickly through Pakistan’s ranks, taking over the captaincy after impressing with both bat and ball. She credits her predecessor Bismah Maroof for shaping her calm approach in pressure situations.
“Bismah taught me the importance of composure in 50-over cricket,” Fatima said. “There are always pressure moments, but discipline and calmness make the difference. We had a strong Qualifier, and now the goal is to carry that into the World Cup.”
History and Stakes
Bangladesh have enjoyed recent success against Pakistan, losing just twice in the last four years—including that Qualifier defeat. They also won a home series 2-1 in Mirpur in 2023, a result that boosted their confidence heading into this World Cup cycle.
While both sides share mutual respect, there is also quiet determination on both ends. Nigar acknowledges the growth of her opposite number: “She’s very young but learning fast. How she has aligned the team and led them in the Qualifier shows her maturity.”
With the tournament opener looming at 3 pm local time on October 2 in Colombo, one thing is certain—friendship will take a backseat when the two captains step onto the field.