Colombo, Oct 1 (UNI) Tomorrow’s ICC Women’s World Cup Match 3 at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium promises excitement, and conditions could play a decisive role. The pitch is a slow-turning canvas, offering bounce but demanding patience. Spinners will relish it, while pacers may find only fleeting success before the surface settles into a spinner’s paradise.
Toss-winning teams might prefer to bat first, with a total around 230 expected to be competitive. Evening dew could also influence the outcome for teams chasing under lights. Every run, every wicket, could swing the contest like a pendulum, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
On paper, Pakistan Women enter the match as the team to beat. Their recent ODI form has been a masterclass in consistency, winning four out of their last five matches.
Sidra Amin has been leading the charge with elegance and precision, flanked by Muneeba Ali and Aliya Riaz, who have consistently provided support in the middle order.
Natalia Pervaiz and Sidra Nawaz bring tactical depth, capable of turning the screws late in the innings.
Captain Fatima Sana, backed by the experienced Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, and Sadia Iqbal, commands a pace and spin attack that can unsettle any batting lineup. Pakistan’s unit, combining form, skill, and cohesion, appears well-prepared to assert their dominance.
Bangladesh Women, however, have reason to believe in their abilities. Fresh from finishing runners-up at the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025 with three wins from five matches, they arrive with confidence and determination.
Sharmin Akhter and Nigar Sultana have been in impressive touch, providing stability and flair at the top of the order. Fahima Khatun will be key in anchoring the innings, ensuring the scoreboard keeps ticking. Ritu Moni and Fargana Hoque can inject the necessary momentum when required, while the bowling attack, led by Fahima and Nahida Akter, is varied and potent.
With Rabeya Khan and Marufa Akter ready to pounce, Bangladesh’s bowlers could make early inroads and keep the contest competitive.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Bangladesh Women: Fargana Hoque, Sobhana Mostary, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Sumaiya Akter, Marufa Akter
Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Eyman Fatima, Sidra Amin, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Aliya Riaz, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal
As the floodlights shine over Colombo, fans can expect a match full of strategy, skill, and tension. While Pakistan look strong, cricket has a way of springing surprises, and Bangladesh could spark brilliance at any moment. In this unpredictable contest, every run and every wicket matters, promising a spectacle that will keep spectators riveted until the very last ball.
