The all-important ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 Qualifier between Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan is set to unfold today at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground. With a spot in the main stage of the World Cup on the line, the Tigresses are aiming for a statement victory, while Pakistan are determined to maintain their unbeaten run in the tournament.
The match is scheduled to begin at 10:30am (BST).
Bangladesh have been impressive throughout the qualifiers putting on dominant performances against Thailand, Ireland, and Scotland in their opening three matches as each victory setting new benchmarks. However, a defeat to West Indies on Thursday denied them the chance to secure early qualification.
Now, the equation is clear. A win against the hosts will book their ticket to the World Cup in India. Even in case of a loss, Bangladesh remain well in contention thanks to their superior net run rate of +1.033. Pakistan on the other hand, have already confirmed their qualification, having won all four of their matches in the six-team tournament.
The points table presents a tight scenario. Bangladesh sit second with three wins in four games, followed by West Indies and Scotland who have two victories each. Ireland with one win and Thailand winless in four, are out of the World Cup race. This leaves Bangladesh, West Indies, and Scotland vying for the final qualification spot. Bangladesh, with the most wins among the three, are in the most favorable position. A win today seals it. Even a close loss might suffice depending on how Scotland fare against Ireland and how West Indies perform against Thailand.
Individually, the Tigresses have shone brightly with the bat. Sharmin Akter Supta leads the tournament run chart with 242 runs including three fifties. Captain Nigar Sultana Joty is right behind her with 240 runs boasting a century and two fifties.
Fargana Haque Pinky has also made her mark tallying 152 runs with two half-centuries. For Pakistan, Sidra Amin (192), Muneeba Ali (154) and Aliya Riaz (147) have been their batting mainstays.
In the bowling department, Pakistan's Fatima Sana and Nashra Sandhu have been exceptional claiming 10 and nine wickets respectively. Bangladesh's Jannatul Ferdus and Fahima Khatun are close behind with nine and eight wickets each, setting the stage for a thrilling duel between two in-form bowling units.
With the pitch in Lahore offering something for both batters and bowlers and no rain expected, fans can expect a cracking contest.
