Colombo, October 1, 2025 – The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 continues with an eagerly awaited clash as Pakistan Women take on Bangladesh Women in Match Three at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Thursday, October 3.
Both teams are eyeing an early win to build momentum in the tournament, making this encounter a crucial stepping stone in their campaigns.
Bangladesh enter the contest with confidence after finishing as runners-up in the recent World Cup Qualifier. Their batting lineup has been in excellent form, led by skipper Nigar Sultana and Sharmin Akhter, who both crossed 240 runs in the qualifying stage. Fargana Hoque provides stability in the middle order, while Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun offer the ability to accelerate in the closing overs. Their bowling attack will rely heavily on the spin duo of Nahida Akter and Fahima, with Marufa Akter’s seam bowling and Rabeya Khan’s leg-spin adding variety to the mix.
Pakistan Women, meanwhile, arrive in Colombo with a solid record. They dominated the World Cup Qualifier unbeaten, although a recent 2-1 home series defeat to South Africa has highlighted areas to address. Opener Sidra Amin, the side’s leading scorer in both the Qualifier and the South Africa series, will be key at the top. Support will come from Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, both capable of playing substantial innings. In the lower order, Natalia Pervaiz and Sidra Nawaz bring valuable finishing power.
On the bowling front, Pakistan boast a formidable attack well-suited to subcontinental conditions. Captain Fatima Sana, the top wicket-taker in the Qualifier, will lead the pace unit, while the spin trio of Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, and Diana Baig are expected to control the middle overs. The outcome may hinge on how Bangladesh’s batters handle Pakistan’s spin-heavy strategy.