A dominant performance by the Bangladeshi Tigresses, spearheaded by spectacular bowling and a debut half-century from opener Rubaiya Haider Jhilik, secured a comprehensive seven-wicket win over Pakistan in their World Cup campaign opener in Colombo. The victory was achieved with a massive 113 balls to spare, underlining the team’s superiority.
Pakistani Batters Falter Against Tigresses’ Spin and Pace
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Pakistani batters found themselves completely overwhelmed by the Bangladeshi bowlers, failing to cross the 150-run mark and being bowled out for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs.
The trouble started immediately as pace bowler Marufa Akter delivered a double-strike in the very first over. Her swing and pace dismantled the stumps of Omaima Sohail and the in-form Sidra Ameen on consecutive balls, both departing for a duck.
Muniba Ali (17 off 35) and Rameen Shamim (23 off 39) attempted a recovery, but their partnership was broken by Nahida Akter. The left-arm spinner then removed Shamim with a return catch. Rabeya Khan then trapped Sidra Nawaz (15 off 20) leg before wicket, leaving Pakistan struggling at a dismal score even before their team fifty. Lower-order contributions from Fatima Sana (22 off 33) and an unbeaten 16 off 22 from Diana did little to salvage the innings, as the team was bundled out well short of 150.
The Bangladeshi bowlers were exceptional, with Swarna Akter being the most successful, claiming three wickets for just 5 runs. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter bagged two wickets each, while Nishita Nishy, Rabeya Khan, and Fahima Khatun each chipped in with one.
Jhilik’s Debut Fifty Seals the Chase
Chasing a modest target of 130, the Tigresses had a shaky start. Opener Fargana Hoque struggled, managing just 2 runs off 17 balls before departing, breaking the opening stand at 7. Sharmin Akter (10) also failed to build an innings.
With the score at 35/2, Captain Nigar Sultana Joty joined the young debutant Rubaiya Haider Jhilik at the crease. The duo steadied the innings and built a crucial 62-run partnership for the third wicket. Joty played a supportive role, scoring 23 runs before being dismissed.
However, Jhilik carried on with confidence, demonstrating maturity beyond her years. She was joined by Sobhana Mostary, and the pair comfortably finished the job. Jhilik reached her maiden ODI fifty on the big stage of the World Cup, remaining unbeaten on 54 off 77 balls. Mostary provided excellent support with a quick-fire 24 not out off 19 balls, as Bangladesh cruised to the target in just 31.1 overs.
