Pakistan’s women’s cricket team capped an unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers with a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh on April 19, 2025, in Lahore.
Securing their spot for the World Cup in India later this year, the Green Team finished atop the six-team tournament. Muneeba Ali’s 69 earned her player of the match honours at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) ground.
Pakistan restricted Bangladesh to 178-9 in 50 overs, leveraging disciplined bowling on a batsman-friendly pitch. Captain Fatima Sana and spinner Sadia Iqbal struck early, dismissing openers Fargana Hoque (duck) and Dilara Akter cheaply, leaving Bangladesh at 21-3. Nigar Sultana’s early exit, courtesy of Fatima’s inswinger, compounded their woes. Ritu Moni and Fahima Khatun’s 40-plus scores offered resistance, but Sadia’s 3/28, including wily left-arm spin, ensured Bangladesh couldn’t recover.
𝑈𝑛𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑛 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒!💪
📸 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 ✨
𝘕𝘦𝘹𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘱 𝘐𝘊𝘊 𝘞𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯'𝘴 𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 𝘊𝘶𝘱 2025!✈️#BackOurGirls pic.twitter.com/UMSjfXv9OX
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 19, 2025Chasing 179, Pakistan lost Shawaal Zulfiqar on the second ball but cruised to victory with over 10 overs to spare. Muneeba Ali’s 69, studded with eight boundaries, anchored the innings, while Sidra Amin’s 37 and Aliya Riaz’s unbeaten 52 sealed the chase. Despite fielding lapses, including dropped catches, Pakistan’s batting firepower overwhelmed Bangladesh, finishing the qualifiers with five wins and zero losses.
Path to World Cup Qualification
Pakistan clinched their World Cup berth on April 17, 2025, defeating Thailand by 87 runs, with Fatima Sana’s 62 not out and three wickets earning her player of the match. Sidra Amin’s 80 in that game set the tone, while the bowlers defended 205. The team’s preparation, bolstered by a pre-tournament camp, fostered self-belief, as Fatima noted post-match: “Our aim was to play the World Cup, and our players’ support and confidence were key.”
5️⃣ straight wins 🖐️🥳
🏏 Pakistan remain unbeaten and finish at the top in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2025! 🇵🇰✨💪#PAKWvBANW | #BackOurGirls | #WWCQ pic.twitter.com/fB6N201ur7
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 19, 2025The six-team qualifiers, hosted at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA ground, featured a round-robin format with Bangladesh, Ireland, Scotland, Thailand, West Indies, and Pakistan. The top two teams qualified for the 2025 Women’s World Cup in India. However, Pakistan will play at a neutral venue due to a “fusion” model following India’s refusal to travel for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Read: Sidra Amin Guides Pakistan to 205 Against Thailand in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualifiers
Standout Performers
- Muneeba Ali: Her 69 in the final match showcased her consistency, guiding Pakistan’s chase with flair.
- Sadia Iqbal: The left-arm spinner’s 3/28 dismantled Bangladesh’s batting, cementing her role as a key bowler.
- Fatima Sana: The captain’s leadership, batting (62* vs Thailand), and bowling (early wickets vs Bangladesh) were pivotal.
- Aliya Riaz: Her unbeaten 52 and prior match-winning performances highlighted her finishing prowess.
