Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat first against Bangladesh in the Women World Cup match on Thursday in Colombo. The game is an important group stage fixture as both sides aim to make a strong start.
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana also preferred to bat first. However, the toss went in Pakistan’s favor. The match is being played in Colombo, where Pakistan will feature in all their group matches. If the team reaches the knockout stage, the semifinal and final will also be hosted in the same city.
Pakistan Aim For Early Advantage
Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana is leading her side on a special day. She is playing her 50th One-Day International. Her leadership will be vital as Pakistan look to set a competitive total on the board. The decision to bat first reflects Pakistan’s plan to take control of the game by applying scoreboard pressure.
The batting unit, led by Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin, will look to provide a strong start. Middle-order players like Aliya Riaz and Natalia Pervaiz add depth. With Fatima Sana’s all-round skills and experienced bowlers like Nashra Sandhu and Diana Baig, Pakistan’s combination looks balanced.
Bangladesh Looks to Break ODI Gap
Bangladesh reached the Women World Cup after progressing through the qualifying round in Lahore earlier this year. They secured their spot by edging out West Indies on net run-rate.
However, the team faces a challenge. Bangladesh has not played any One-Day Internationals since the qualifiers in April. This gap in match practice could affect their rhythm. Despite this, the side has shown resilience in past tournaments and cannot be underestimated.
Captain Nigar Sultana leads a young squad with promising talent. Players like Sharmin Akhter, Fahima Khatun, and Nahida Akter will have to play key roles. The bowling attack will rely on spinners to test Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Teams Ready For Tough Contest
Both teams share recent history from the qualifying round. Pakistan’s experience at the highest level gives them an edge, but Bangladesh’s hunger to prove themselves makes the clash unpredictable.
Fatima Sana’s milestone adds extra motivation for Pakistan. For Bangladesh, the focus is on starting their campaign with energy after a long break. The encounter promises to be competitive as both sides aim to stay strong in the group standings.
Full Playing XI
Pakistan XI: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (captain), Sidra Nawaz, Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal
Bangladesh XI: Farqana Hoque, Rubya Haider, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (captain), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Nishita Akter
Road Ahead in Colombo
Pakistan will play all seven of their group stage games in Colombo. The semifinal and final are also scheduled in the Sri Lankan capital. This means Pakistan will have the advantage of familiar conditions throughout the tournament.
The Women World Cup is still in its early stages, and every match counts. Both Pakistan and Bangladesh are fighting for momentum and confidence. A win here would boost their chances of progressing further in the competition.
With conditions favoring spin, both teams will rely on their bowlers to make breakthroughs. Batting first, Pakistan will look to post a big score and put Bangladesh under pressure in the chase.
The match sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling journey ahead in the Women World Cup. Fans are expecting a close battle between two teams eager to prove themselves on the world stage.
