Bangladesh (w)
Pakistan (w)
Bangladesh Women will face Pakistan Women in the second match of the ICC Women’s World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Both teams will enter the tournament with similar recent form, having won 3 of their last 5 ODI matches. This will make the contest balanced on paper, but the outcome will depend on key moments during the game.
Bangladesh will be led by Nigar Sultana. They will rely on their ability to defend totals, which has worked well for them in past 2 wins against Pakistan. Their recent record against Pakistan with 3 wins in their last 5 matches will give them confidence heading into this clash.
Pakistan will be captained by Fatima Sana. They will aim to use their strengths while chasing targets, where they have succeeded in the last 2 head-to-head matches. Their balanced squad will help them approach this game with a clear strategy.
Sidra Amin has scored 535 runs for Pakistan in her last 10 innings at an average of 76.43, making her a consistent run-scorer at the top of the batting order for her team.
The betting tip is...
Sidra Amin - To Score Over 32.5 runs
60 %
40 %
Bangladesh (w)Pakistan (w)Bangladesh Women will enter this World Cup after finishing as runners-up in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, where they secured 3 wins in 5 matches. That performance will give them belief heading into the group stage.
Sharmin Akhter and skipper Nigar Sultana will anchor the batting lineup. Both scored more than 240 runs in the Qualifier and averaged around 50 in the last 10 matches. Fargana Hoque and Ritu Moni will add depth, while their ability to rotate strike and accelerate will strengthen the middle order.
With the ball, Nahida Akter and Fahima Khatun will handle the bulk of the workload with 13 wickets each in 9 matches. Rabeya Khan and Marufa Akter will add further support.
Akhter, Sultana and Hoque are the key batters in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sumaiya Akter and Marufa Akter
Pakistan Women will enter this World Cup after an unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025, though they lost 2-1 to South Africa in a recent home series. That combination of form will set the tone for their campaign.
Sidra Amin will be their key batter, averaging over 76 in the last 10 matches. Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz will aim to deliver steady contributions, with at least one expected to add 40-50 runs. Natalia Pervaiz and Sidra Nawaz will give the batting order flexibility, especially in the final overs.
In bowling, skipper Fatima Sana will lead the pace attack with 13 wickets in the last 9 matches. She was the top wicket-taker in the Qualifier with 12 wickets. Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal will provide variety and control on subcontinental pitches.
Amin, Fatima and Ali are the key batters in the team.
Predicted Lineup: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Eyman Fatima, Sidra Amin, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal
Bangladesh Women will enter this match with some confidence from their recent wins over Pakistan, but the current form of Pakistan makes them the stronger side.
Pakistan’s batting has looked more reliable, and Sidra Amin has been in excellent touch with the bat, scoring 535 runs in her last 10 innings at an impressive average of 76.43.
If Bangladesh’s spinners manage to create early pressure, they could slow down Pakistan’s scoring rate. However, Pakistan’s batting depth and experience against spin will give them an edge on these conditions.
With their top-order in strong form and a balanced bowling lineup, Pakistan Women are more likely to control this game and secure a winning start in the tournament.
