लेख विवरण

Kathmandu – Bangladesh made a winning start to the Women’s ODI World Cup with a dominant 7-wicket victory over Pakistan on Thursday.

Bangladesh’s bowlers put on an impressive show, dismissing Pakistan for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs. Chasing the modest target, Bangladesh reached 131/3 in 31.1 overs to seal the win.

Young pacer Marufa Akter (20) set the tone early, striking twice in the very first over to remove Pakistan’s openers Omaima Sohail and Sidra Ameen for ducks. Left-arm spinner Nahida Akter then picked up two crucial wickets, dismissing Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) to leave Pakistan reeling.

With wickets falling at regular intervals, Pakistan’s batting collapsed despite crossing the 100-run mark in the 30th over. The innings featured just 14 boundaries, and included the rare dismissal of Nashra Sandhu, who was out hit-wicket – becoming only the second batter in women’s cricket to fall in such a manner.

In reply, Bangladesh had an early stumble, losing Fargana Hoque at 7 runs and another wicket at 35. But Rubya Haider anchored the innings with a composed unbeaten 54 runs, sharing a match-winning 62-run stand with captain Nigar Sultana (23). Later, Sobhana Mostary added an unbeaten 24 to guide Bangladesh home comfortably.

Pakistan’s bowlers managed to take three wickets, but the low total left them with little to defend.

With this win, Bangladesh started their World Cup campaign on a high, handing Pakistan a seven-wicket defeat.