An early Asian derby at the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup will see Pakistan face Bangladesh. It is also the first game of the tournament being held in Sri Lanka.
For the game, here are our preview and predictions.
Fatima Sana will be leading Pakistan for the first time in an ODI World Cup, with the Women in Green having huffed and puffed their way into the tournament through the regional qualifiers.
In conditions similar to home, Pakistan — playing all their CWC first stage games in Sri Lanka — have put their faith in the likes of Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, and Sidra Amin to shoulder the batting responsibility. The likes of Natalia Pervaiz and Fatima Sana are more than handy with the bat lower down the order as well. Amin has been in stellar form off late and will be the one to watch out for in particular. In spin-friendly conditions, captain Sana will be key and will have to lead from the front alongside Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, and Nashra Sandhu.
Like Pakistan, Bangladesh will also feel at home in Sri Lankan conditions. The Bangla Tigresses are arriving into the league stage proper on the back of a thrilling win over Sri Lanka in the warm-up game. The likes of Fargana Hoqie and Sharmin Akhter provide experience and calmness at the top of the order, though batting remains an area of concern for Bangladesh. Captain Nigar Sultana will be key given her experience in these conditions, and team also have a host of all-rounders who may prove to be key. Young Marufa Akter has slowly become their go-to seamer, while the experienced duo of Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun will also be vital in the slow, spinning conditions.
In this battle of two evenly matched squads, Pakistan hold a slight edge. Rain is also expected to play spoilsport, so don’t count out a surprise DLS resolution to the game.
Fantasy XI: Muneeba Ali, Sharmin Akhter, Sidra Amin, Nigar Sultana, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Marufa Akter
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Winners Prediction: Pakistan
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