Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter produced a sensational start in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on October 2, 2025, sending shockwaves through the Pakistan batting lineup.

Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first, hoping to set a competitive total. However, Marufa Akter’s brilliant inswinger in the very first over changed the course of the match instantly. The right-arm pacer delivered a perfectly pitched ball outside off stump, which swung sharply in to uproot the top of the leg stump, dismissing opener Omaima Sohail for a golden duck. This early breakthrough set the tone for Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack.

Not stopping there, Marufa Akter struck again immediately, removing Sidra Amin, leaving Pakistan reeling at 2 for 2 inside the first over. The Bangladesh bowlers exploited the early advantage expertly, building pressure through tight lines and clever variations.

Despite a brief resistance from Muneeba Ali, who managed 17 runs off 35 balls, Pakistan struggled to stabilize their innings. By the 14th over, they had scored 47 for 4, with the run rate languishing at just 3.35. Bangladesh’s spinners and pacers continued to dominate, ensuring no meaningful partnerships could form.

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Bangladesh bowlers dominate as Pakistan crumble to 129, with Marufa Akter setting the tone early

Marufa Akter finished with 2 wickets for 13 runs in 4 overs, while Shorna Akter cleaned up the tail, taking three wickets to help restrict Pakistan to a paltry 129 all out in 38.3 overs. Nahida Akter and the rest of the bowling unit complemented the effort, maintaining tight lines and disciplined fielding to choke runs and induce errors.

Bangladesh’s early dominance, particularly Marufa Akter’s opening strikes, gave them a huge advantage heading into the chase. With Pakistan failing to build momentum, Bangladesh looks well-placed to chase down the modest target comfortably.

This match highlighted the growing competitiveness and skill in women’s cricket, with Bangladesh’s bowlers demonstrating how pressure and precision can completely dictate the flow of the game. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to regroup and plan carefully for the second innings to make the game competitive.