SPORTS REPORTER

Just one match into their campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, Bangladesh have already matched their previous best finish courtesy of an emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Colombo on Thursday.

The Tigresses had won one game in their only other appearance in a 50-over World Cup back in 2022, which had also come against Pakistan.

“We wanted to start with a win. It gives us momentum that we can take into the rest of the tournament,” said skipper Nigar Sultana Joty at the post-match presentation.

Player-of-the-match Marufa Akter set the tone in the very first over, dismissing Omaima Sohel and Sidra Amin for ducks with two wonderous in-swingers.

“I was getting good swing. There was some lovely swing on the first ball, and I maintained the line and length,” Marufa said after the match.

Chasing 130, opener Rubya Haider Jhelik, making her WODI debut, made 54 not out off 77 balls laced with eight fours to take the side over the line with 113 balls to spare.

“Marufa is very young and mature. She knows her role very well, and is very confident. How she delivered was incredible. After the first innings, we talked about playing our natural game. Jhelik batted really well in her debut game,” the skipper said.

With the win, Bangladesh have jumped to second position in the points-table, sandwiched between toppers Australia and hosts India, with two points and a positive net run rate of 1.623.