Bangladesh Women’s World Cup Hopes Hinge on West Indies–Thailand Clash After Loss to Pakistan

Bangladesh’s hopes of qualifying for the 2025 Women’s World Cup now rest on the outcome of the match between West Indies and Thailand, after suffering a defeat against Pakistan. The result of West Indies' final group match will determine whether Bangladesh secures a spot in the main event.

In their last match of the qualifiers, held at the City Cricket Association Ground in Lahore, Bangladesh were beaten by seven wickets. Batting first, the Tigresses were bowled out for just 178 runs. Pakistan comfortably chased down the target with 62 balls to spare, losing only three wickets in the process.

A victory against hosts Pakistan would have sealed Bangladesh's place in the World Cup as the top team of the qualifiers. However, after two consecutive defeats, Nigar Sultana’s team now find themselves in a tense wait for the West Indies–Thailand match result.

Bangladesh had a strong start in the qualifiers, defeating Thailand, Ireland, and Scotland in their first three matches, coming within touching distance of World Cup qualification. But a narrow three-wicket loss to West Indies increased the pressure, and today’s heavy defeat to Pakistan has only added to the uncertainty.

Ritu Moni was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 48 runs, while Fahima Khatun fought a lone battle at the end, remaining unbeaten on 44. Earlier, opener Sharmin Akter contributed 24 runs. Without a single half-century in the innings, Bangladesh managed to post 178 for 9.

The total proved insufficient to challenge Pakistan. Marufa Akter gave Bangladesh a brief moment of hope by dismissing opener Shawal Zulfiqar in the opening over. But Muneeba Ali and Sidra Ameen built a steady 80-run partnership. The stand was broken when Sidra fell for 33, while Muneeba scored 69 before losing her wicket. Aliya Riaz then struck a fifty of her own, guiding the hosts to victory with 10.2 overs remaining and seven wickets in hand.