Match Summary: A Bowling Masterclass

Pakistan 129 (38.3 overs): Shamim 23 (39); Shorna Akter 3-5
Bangladesh 131-3 (31.1 overs): Jhilik 54 (77); Fatima Baig 1-14
Result: Bangladesh won by 7 wickets*
Full Scorecard | Group Table

Marufa Akter’s Powerplay Onslaught

Pakistan’s decision to bat first backfired spectacularly as 20-year-old seamer Marufa Akter (2-12) delivered a career-defining spell. Her fifth and sixth balls of the match uprooted Omaima Sohail and Sidra Ameen – both dismissed for golden ducks with vicious inswingers.

Key Moment: Ameen’s dismissal marked her first ODI duck since 2019, derailing Pakistan’s anchor batter who averaged 97.5 in her last four innings.

Spin Web Seals Pakistan’s Collapse

Bangladesh’s spinners capitalized on Marufa’s opening salvo:

• Shorna Akter (3-5): Leg-breaks bamboozled middle order
• Nahida Akter (2-19): Left-arm orthodox stifled run rate
• Fahima Khatun (1-22): Carrom-ball variations kept pressure

Pakistan’s batting never recovered, bowled out for 129 in 38.3 overs – their lowest WC total against Bangladesh.

Jhilik’s Ice-Cold Debut Anchors Chase

Facing early jitters at 35-2, debutant Rubya Haider Jhilik (54* off 77) partnered with captain Nigar Sultana Joty (29 off 41) in a match-winning 62-run stand.

By the Numbers:

• 64 balls to Jhilik’s fifty – fastest by Bangladeshi debutant in WC
• 18.5 overs remaining – largest margin in Bangladesh’s WC history
• 24* off 16 by Sobhana Mostary – sealed victory with 6 fours

Historical Context & Tournament Implications

This victory mirrors Bangladesh’s 2022 World Cup upset against Pakistan in Hamilton. With Shorna Akter named Player of the Match, the Tigresses now eye progression from Group B.

Next Fixture: Bangladesh vs Australia (Oct 5) | Pakistan vs South Africa (Oct 6)

Tactical Analysis:

• Pakistan’s powerplay score of 12-3 tied for worst in WC history
• Bangladesh’s 58% dot-ball percentage highlights bowling discipline
• 83% of Pakistan’s runs came behind square – exposed technical flaws

Stats Source: ICC Match Insights