Pakistan, Bangladesh eye even contest in Colombo World Cup clash

WEB DESK: Pakistan and Bangladesh enter their Women’s World Cup clash later today with little to separate the two sides, both evenly matched, both tested through the qualifying rounds, and both carrying hopes of making a mark on the tournament.

According to CricInfo, in their last four ODIs against each other, the results have been split 2-2, with one of Bangladesh’s victories coming via a Super Over. Their most recent meeting was at the Qualifier in Lahore, where Pakistan’s Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz steered a chase of 179 to secure victory. Those same three batters once again shape up as key for Pakistan as the main event begins.

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Sidra Amin has been Pakistan’s standout in 2025, piling up runs with consistency. She enters the World Cup as the fifth-highest ODI run-scorer this year, averaging an impressive 86.33, albeit at a strike rate of just under 71. Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz have also shown solid form, contributing half-centuries and partnerships during the South Africa series last month. The challenge now will be to replicate those performances against stronger opposition under World Cup pressure.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, face questions over match readiness. They have not played an ODI since April, when they lost the Qualifier final to Pakistan. Before that, they had a 3-0 home win against Ireland but also a disappointing series against the West Indies. Despite the lack of recent game time, captain Nigar Sultana has been in good touch, scoring four fifties in 2025, including a century against Thailand. Top-order batter Sharmin Akhter has also averaged over 50 this year, giving Bangladesh hope of deeper batting contributions than in the past.

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Traditionally reliant on their bowling, Bangladesh will expect their spinners to trouble Pakistan. But the team has already endured a setback, with coach Sarwar Imran suffering a minor stroke earlier this week. While the board confirmed he is recovering, his absence in Colombo may test the squad’s morale.

Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to captain Fatima Sana to lead both with ball and bat. Sana has taken 12 wickets this year at under 24 apiece and showed form in the Colombo warm-ups, picking up economical spells and even hitting a handy 64 against South Africa.

With rain lingering over Colombo, conditions could aid seamers early, though showers are expected to clear quickly. Both sides are likely to stick with their recent combinations, with Pakistan considering a batting promotion for Sidra Amin and Bangladesh weighing whether to add a second seamer in Fariha Trisna.

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Evenly poised, with both teams carrying strengths and vulnerabilities, Thursday’s contest may come down to who adapts quicker, Pakistan seeking to shake off inconsistency, and Bangladesh trying to make up for lost match practice.