3 Reasons Why PAK-W Lost to BAN-W in the 3rd match of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

Feeling excited, the Pakistan Women arrived in Colombo, aiming to set the early pace for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Their innings began with a bang, before it ultimately died down within moments. In fact, it was already a nightmare within the first over as Nadal and Sidra Amin were sent to the pavilion without a single run added. Pakistan was stuck at 2 for 2, and while they were reeling, the rest of the innings became an exercise in salvaging pride and not an equal battle with Bangladesh. There were some flashes of resistance, mainly from Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim, but the scoreboard never reflected the momentum Pakistan sorely needed.

Batting Collapse

The most obvious reason for Pakistan’s defeat—as if it needs to be pointed out—was the sheer apocalypse of the batting. Seven wickets fell for just 62 runs from the 13th to the 34th over, a collapse that will make any analyst grimace. Marufa Akter made two in the first over, and Shorna Akter finished them off with precision, taking three wickets, including an odd hit-wicket dismissal of Nashra Sandhu. There was no middle-order bridge; Aliya Riaz and Fatima Sana gave some life, but it was short-lived. 129 all out in 38.3 overs on a pitch that was not even remotely extreme was not a competitive target. Pakistan’s batters came in with no plan other than to hold their own. The scorecard showed they could not form partnerships under pressure.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Masterclass

The bowling display from Bangladesh changed the game on its head. Marufa, Shorna, and Nahida Akter executed impeccable lines and lengths to keep Pakistan under pressure. Marufa was able to strike early and remove key batters before they got settled. Nahida kept the run rate ticking over, and Shorna picked up three wickets at the back end to make sure Pakistan had no tail to rely upon, etc. Every over had meaning, and the Bangladeshi bowlers never allowed Pakistan to build any sort of momentum, leading to the chase becoming a formality once the batters came in.

Poor Finishing and Situational Awareness

The third issue was external-related factors such as poor finishing, lack of intensity on the field, and over-reliance on star players in your line-up. Pakistan’s innings had some scattered moments of sloppy fielding, dropped catches, as well as getting runs via extras that did not create pressure, in some moments. Bangladesh batters capitalized on those sloppy moments – especially with Rubya Haider’s not-out fifty, 54 runs, and Sobhana Mostary’s quick 24 runs in 19 balls. At different points in their chase, Pakistan’s game plan showed they did not recognize they were in the game. They missed opportunities in their short moments that clicked in their favor they exposing gaps in their game plans, tactics, and execution under pressure.

In the end, what could have potentially reached a fever-pitch contest became a showcase of unfiltered dominance from Bangladesh. After a few moments of life, Pakistan’s strategy completely fell apart with an outstanding pause from the bowlers, falling in a batting lineup, and picking the right moments to mismanage decisions. 

FAQs

1: Who won the Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women match?

Bangladesh Women won by 7 wickets with 113 balls remaining.

2: What was Pakistan Women’s total score?

Pakistan Women were all out for 129 runs in 38.3 overs.

3: Who was the Player of the Match?

Marufa Akter of Bangladesh was named Player of the Match for her 2/31 bowling.