The third fixture of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises to be a high-octane South Asian derby as Bangladesh goes up against Pakistan on October 2nd at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The first ball is expected to be bowled at 3:00 PM IST, and therefore, much hype surrounds what could be a pivotal one in the early stages after the group.
Recent outings- Bangladesh
The 2025 campaign for Bangladesh began in the Caribbean sets, where they endured a hard-fought ODI series against the West Indies. After slipping in the opener by 9 wickets, the Tigresses bounced back strongly with a 60-run win in the second fixture, only to fall short again in the decider by a margin of 8 wickets.
Their greatest test came in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025. They finished second in the qualifying tournament, winning 3 of their 5 matches in wildly contrasting fashions: a huge victory by 178 runs against Thailand, a nail-biting 2-wicket escape against Ireland, and a solid 34-run victory against Scotland. However, they faltered against Pakistan by 7 wickets and the West Indies by 3 wickets.
The warm-up matches in September gave a mixed indication on Bangladesh’s readiness. Although they had their first encounter against South Africa washed away due to rain, they did clinch a last-ball thriller against Sri Lanka, winning by 1 run, thereby wrapping up the warm-up matches.
Recent Outings – Pakistan
Moving forward into 2025, Pakistan were riding high after having stamped their supremacy in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 at home. They vanquished all opponent unbeaten and exhibited the depth in batting and bowling accuracy. All their wins came with commanding margins – by 38 runs against Ireland, by 6 wickets against Scotland, by 65 runs against West Indies, by 87 runs against Thailand, and by a telling 7-wicket margin against Bangladesh.
In their next adventure, South Africa came to Pakistan for an ODI series and fortunes were traded subsequently. Pakistan lost the first two games in a row, first by 8 wickets and then a nail-biting 25 runs DLS result. However, they bounced back in the third, bowling with fierce determination to dismiss South Africa for a mere 115 runs and chased down the target by 6 wickets to assert their dominance under pressure.
Their cricket preparation gained almost no momentum with these warm-up fixtures before the World Cup. One match was washed out while the other was a nail-biter in which they lost by four wickets against South Africa. Still, the nucleus of the side looks mature, balanced, and ready for the big stage.
Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women Head to Head record
- Total Matches- 16
- Pakistan Women’s Wins- 8
- Bangladesh Women’s Wins- 7
One of the most closely-contested rivalries in women’s ODI cricket. Pakistan had a slender one win lead. The most recent meeting came in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 in April, where Pakistan crushed their rivals in chasing with seven wickets down.
With the rivalry delicately poised, both Bangladesh and Pakistan will be eager to land the first blow in Colombo, making this a contest where every moment counts.
