Both teams successfully navigated the Qualifiers, sharing an even 2-2 record in their last four head-to-head matches.
Big Picture: Bangladesh`s First ODI in Five Months
In their recent four One Day International (ODI) meetings, Bangladesh and Pakistan have each claimed two victories, showcasing their balanced rivalry. One of Bangladesh`s wins even extended to a nail-biting Super Over, further emphasizing their competitive parity. Both nations secured their World Cup berths via similar qualification paths, having participated in the Qualifier held in Pakistan earlier this year. When they clashed in Lahore, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, and Aliya Riyaz were instrumental in Pakistan`s successful pursuit of a 179-run target.
These three batters are poised to be key players for Pakistan as they embark on their World Cup journey. All are currently in good form, having delivered strong performances in the recent series against South Africa; Amin, in particular, notched two centuries within the last two weeks. Amin ranks as the fifth-highest ODI scorer this year, boasting an impressive average of 86.33, though her strike rate stands at a relatively sedate 70.95. Muneeba, across eight innings this year, averages 43, while Riaz maintains an average of 50 from seven innings. It`s important to note that many of these runs were accumulated against lower-ranked teams during the Qualifier, so they now face the challenge of replicating these performances on the global stage.
Conversely, Bangladesh enters the World Cup perhaps feeling a touch underprepared, having not played an ODI match since the Qualifier final in Lahore five months ago, in April. While they achieved a convincing 3-0 home series victory against Ireland late last year and comfortably overcame Scotland, Thailand, and Ireland at the Qualifier, they had previously lost two out of three matches against the West Indies.
Bangladesh`s traditional strength lies in its bowling attack, but this year, they also believe they possess enhanced batting depth. Alongside the consistently performing Nigar Sultana, top-order batter Sharmin Akhter has also been a significant contributor, averaging 50.85 across eight innings this year.
However, Sultana`s team faces an unexpected challenge at this World Cup. Their coach, Sarwar Imran, suffered a minor stroke in Colombo on Monday. Sultana confirmed his recovery progress and that she had spoken with him on Tuesday, but his immediate focus will understandably be on recovery.
Form Guide
(Last five matches, most recent first)
Pakistan: WLLWW
Bangladesh: LLWWW
In the Spotlight: Nigar Sultana and Fatima Sana
Despite her team entering this World Cup somewhat under the radar, Nigar Sultana is enjoying a prolific year with the bat. In eight innings in 2025, she has recorded four scores of fifty or more, including a remarkable 101 runs off just 80 balls against Thailand during the World Cup Qualifier. While Sultana didn`t quite find her rhythm in the Colombo warm-up matches, Bangladesh will likely depend on their captain for substantial runs to make progress in this tournament.
All things considered, Fatima Sana faces a demanding week ahead. Yet, she possesses a crucial advantage: excellent bowling form. In 2025, she has claimed 12 wickets at an average of 23.75, with an economy rate of 4.92. After a modest performance in the home series against South Africa, Sana bounced back strongly in the Colombo warm-ups (where Pakistan will play all their matches), delivering figures of 1 for 30 and 1 for 21, in addition to scoring 64 runs against South Africa.
Pitch and Conditions: Expect Moisture in the Pitch
The match surfaces at Khettarama are yet to be fully tested. However, given the significant rainfall in the week leading up to this match – suggesting the monsoon season might be commencing – expect some moisture on the pitch early on. Showers could cause interruptions, but the recent trend indicates that rain typically clears quickly, allowing for a match, even if shortened, to proceed.
Team News
Bangladesh experimented with various combinations during their warm-up games. If they decide to field a second specialist seamer, Fariha Trisna could be their preferred option.
Bangladesh (possible):
- 1 Farqana Hoque
- 2 Rubya Haider
- 3 Sharmin Akhter
- 4 Sobhana Mostary
- 5 Nigar Sultana (capt, wk)
- 6 Shorna Akter
- 7 Sumaiya Akter
- 8 Fahima Khatun
- 9 Jannatul Ferdus
- 10 Rabeya Khan
- 11 Marufa Akter
Pakistan secured a victory in their most recent ODI against South Africa last week. They might field the same starting XI, though a promotion up the batting order for Sidra Amin remains a possibility.
Pakistan (possible):
- 1 Muneeba Ali
- 2 Omaima Sohail
- 3 Sidra Amin
- 4 Fatima Sana (capt)
- 5 Natalia Pervaiz
- 6 Eyman Fatima
- 7 Sidra Khan (wk)
- 8 Syeda Aroob Shah
- 9 Diana Baig
- 10 Rameen Shamim
- 11 Nashra Sandhu
Stats and Trivia
- Nigar Sultana has played more ODIs against Pakistan (11) than against any other opposition aside from South Africa. She has recorded two half-centuries in ten innings against Pakistan.
- Bangladesh and Pakistan have each won exactly eight ODIs against each other.
- Sana has played 49 ODIs, but this will mark her first match in Sri Lanka.
Quotes
“Recently, our coach Junaid has worked on reverse swing with me and Diana Baig. We will try to stick to what worked at the Qualifiers for us. We were successful in the Qualifiers because we had picked up wickets in the middle overs.”
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana
“For a long time, our batting has been the main concern. The bowlers have been spot on every game, and the fielders were also doing well. We talked about it. We have the potential – why aren`t we able to capitalize and go for big innings? We`ve been working hard as a batting unit. We`ve been focusing on the strike rates.”
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana
