Pakistan’s women’s cricket team enters the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 with quiet confidence, hoping that spin-friendly conditions in Colombo and a more balanced squad can finally deliver a breakthrough campaign.
Familiarity Could Be Pakistan’s Trump Card
Unlike other teams, Pakistan will play all seven of their group-stage matches at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. While this might feel isolating, it could also serve as a major advantage. With every outing, they’ll grow more familiar with the pitch and conditions — a factor that might tilt tight matches in their favor, particularly against New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka in the latter stages.
A History of Struggles, a Chance for Redemption
World Cups haven’t been kind to Pakistan. They’ve won just three matches in their entire ODI World Cup history, and in each of the last three editions, they finished bottom of the table. This time, however, there are reasons for cautious optimism.
Coach Muhammad Wasim has invested in youth, while captain Fatima Sana has blossomed into a reliable leader. The batting has looked more consistent, with Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin leading the charge at the top. Their spin-heavy bowling attack remains their greatest weapon, capable of troubling even stronger opponents.
Qualification: A Dominant Statement
Pakistan booked their World Cup berth in style, winning all five matches in the qualifiers at home. Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali both scored 200+ runs in the campaign, while Aliya Riaz provided vital middle-order depth.
With the ball, Fatima Sana picked up 12 wickets, second-most in the tournament, while spinners Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal combined for 19 wickets. It was a campaign that hinted at Pakistan’s potential when both batting and bowling click together.
Player to Watch: Sidra Amin
The prolific opener has become Pakistan’s batting anchor. In 2025 alone, she has scored two centuries and four fifties in eight ODIs. Her ability to provide a steady start could define Pakistan’s tournament.
Marquee Clash – Pakistan vs Bangladesh, October 2
Pakistan’s most realistic chance of victory lies in their opening match against Bangladesh. They defeated them convincingly in the qualifiers, and setting the right tone will be crucial for the campaign.
If they can also upset one of New Zealand, South Africa, or Sri Lanka, Pakistan could challenge for a mid-table finish — but fixtures against heavyweights India, Australia, and England may test their resilience.
League Stage
At their very best, Pakistan can trouble opponents and even spring a surprise. But to progress beyond the group stage, they’ll need to play better cricket than ever before. Realistically, avoiding the wooden spoon after three successive last-place finishes would already mark an improvement.
Pakistan’s Full World Cup 2025 Schedule
- Oct 2: vs Bangladesh, Colombo (3:00 PM)
- Oct 5: vs India, Colombo (3:00 PM)
- Oct 8: vs Australia, Colombo (3:00 PM)
- Oct 15: vs England, Colombo (3:00 PM)
- Oct 18: vs New Zealand, Colombo (3:00 PM)
- Oct 21: vs South Africa, Colombo (3:00 PM)
- Oct 24: vs Sri Lanka, Colombo (3:00 PM)