In a high-stakes encounter with a 2025 Women’s World Cup ticket on the line, Bangladesh have won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan. The Tigresses are eyeing a must-win in their final group stage match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifiers, currently underway at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Set to begin at 10:30 AM local time on Saturday (April 19), this match is crucial for Bangladesh’s hopes of securing a spot in the main tournament. A win would see Nigar Sultana Joty’s side qualify directly, avoiding any net run rate complications. Even a narrow defeat could be enough for progression, thanks to their healthy NRR of 1.033. However, a heavy loss could end their World Cup dream, depending on other results.
After a strong start to the tournament, Bangladesh stumbled in their previous outing, losing to West Indies by 3 wickets. With 3 wins from 4 matches and 6 points on the board, head coach Sarwar Imran’s side now faces their toughest challenge yet in group-toppers Pakistan. Led by Fatima Sana, Pakistan have already sealed their qualification after a convincing 87-run win over Thailand, powered by Sidra Ameen's heroics.
Despite Pakistan qualifying first, Bangladesh’s chances remain strong. A victory would take them through without any further calculation. A narrow loss could still suffice, keeping them ahead of Scotland and West Indies on NRR. But with everything at stake, the Tigresses are geared up for a do-or-die battle, ready to leave it all on the field.
Bangladesh will also draw confidence from their last encounter against Pakistan, a dominant 7-wicket win in Mirpur on November 10, 2023. The two teams have faced each other 15 times in ODIs, with both sides winning 7 games each and one match ending in a tie—highlighting just how closely matched the teams are.
Bangladesh XI: Dilara Akter (wk), Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Jannatul Ferdous, Rabeya Khatun, Marufa Akter.
Pakistan XI: Shawaal Zulfiqar, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu.
As the tension builds, fans back home will be rallying behind the Tigresses, hoping for one last big performance to book their place in India for the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
