Pakistan wrapped up the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers in style, securing a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in Lahore on Saturday to top the table undefeated.
Having already clinched qualification for the World Cup in India later this year, Pakistan capped off their final group match with a dominant performance. After restricting Bangladesh to just 178-9 at the Lahore City Cricket Association Ground, the hosts chased down the target comfortably with more than 10 overs to spare.
Opener Muneeba Ali led the chase with a fluent 69-run knock, earning her the Player of the Match award. She anchored the innings with eight elegant boundaries, ensuring Pakistan faced little trouble in reaching the modest total.
Bangladesh had earlier opted to bat first after winning the toss but stumbled early. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana and spinner Sadia Iqbal dismantled the top order, reducing Bangladesh to 21-3. Fatima struck twice with deliveries that jagged back in, removing Fargana Hoque for a duck and skipper Nigar Sultana shortly after.
Bangladesh found some stability through experienced duo Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun, who both scored in the 40s to help their side post a somewhat competitive total.
Sadia Iqbal was the standout bowler for Pakistan, finishing with figures of 3 for 28 in her full 10 overs, using her left-arm spin to great effect.
Despite losing opener Shawaal Zulfiqar on the second ball of the chase, Pakistan stayed in control. Veteran batter Sidra Amin added a steady 37 to back up her previous match-winning 80, while Aliya Riaz played the finisher’s role perfectly, staying unbeaten on 52 and striking the winning runs.
Aliya had also starred in the earlier win against Scotland, but it was Fatima Sana who shone in the crucial match against Thailand. There, she played a captain’s knock of 62* and followed it up with a three-wicket haul to help bowl out Thailand for 118 in a comprehensive 87-run victory.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s performance throughout the tournament, Fatima Sana praised the unity and belief in the squad. “Our main goal was to qualify for the World Cup. The team’s support for one another and the confidence we built in camp were key to our success,” she said post-match.
The six-team qualifying tournament, hosted across Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground in Lahore, featured Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, the West Indies, and hosts Pakistan. The top two teams secured spots in the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India.
Although Pakistan qualified, their matches in India will be held at a neutral venue due to political tensions, following the adoption of a “hybrid” hosting model earlier this year after India declined to play in Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy.
Squads:
Pakistan: Shawaal Zulfiqar, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu.
Bangladesh: Fargana Hoque, Dilara Akter (wk), Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c), Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter, Jannatul Ferdus, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter.
