CRICEKET
Unbeaten India Face Pakistan in High-Stakes Women’s ODI Clash
Desk news. Just Just weeks after their fiery Asia Cup encounter, India and Pakistan are set to face off once again — this time in the Women’s ODI World Cup. The highly anticipated match will be played in Colombo on Sunday (October 5) at 3:30 PM Bangladesh time.
India’s record against Pakistan in women’s cricket is overwhelmingly dominant. Out of 27 matches across formats, India has won 24, while Pakistan managed just three victories — all in T20s. In ODIs, India holds a perfect 11–0 record.
Pakistan’s main concern remains their inconsistent batting, which faltered in their previous match with frequent wicket losses. Though Fatima Sana and Diana Baig bowled impressively, the rest of the attack failed to provide adequate support.
Playing again at the same Colombo venue could benefit Pakistan, while India, who haven’t played there for some time, might find the conditions challenging.
Interestingly, India’s women’s team did not shake hands with Pakistan’s players during their three Asia Cup games, and a similar situation is expected in this World Cup clash.
Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur said,
“We grew up watching India-Pakistan matches, but we treat every game the same. Our focus is on cricket.”
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana added,
“We try to maintain good relations with all teams and will play in the true spirit of the game.”
The match will be broadcast live on T Sports and Star Sports 1.
The second T20 between Bangladesh and Ireland began at 6 p.m. at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, where Ireland won the toss and opted to field. The match is crucial for Bangladesh to keep the series alive, while a victory would give Ireland their first-ever T20 series win against Bangladesh at the third attempt.
Spectator turnout has been noticeably lower compared with the previous match, with a layer of mist hanging over the stadium as both teams completed their fielding drills before the start.
Bangladesh made three changes to their lineup, dropping Zakir Ali, Rishad Hossain and Shoriful Islam. Nurul Hasan, all-rounder Mohammad Saifuddin and spinner Mehidy Hasan have returned to the side.
The Bangladesh XI includes Liton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain, Saif Hasan, Nurul Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Mehidy Hasan, Nasum Ahmed and Tanzim Hasan.
Ireland field a lineup featuring captain Paul Stirling, along with Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys and Josh Little.
Three Bangladeshi women cricketers have registered for the upcoming Women’s IPL mega auction, scheduled to be held on 27 November in Delhi. The high-profile event will feature some of the world’s top female cricketers competing for limited team spots.
Bangladesh’s Marufa Akter, Shorna Akter and Rabeya Khan have entered their names in the auction, each with a base price of 3 million rupees. A total of 227 players have registered this year, including 83 overseas cricketers — but only 23 foreign players will be able to secure team contracts.
Pacer Marufa Akter gained international attention during the recent Women’s ODI World Cup with her impressive swinging deliveries, notably dismissing Pakistan’s Omaima Sohail and Sidra Ameen. Her viral bowling clip even drew praise from Sri Lankan legend Lasith Malinga.
Shorna Akter contributed 116 runs and took six wickets in seven World Cup matches, showcasing her credentials as an all-rounder. Rabeya Khan also made her mark with seven wickets and 87 runs across seven matches.
The participation of three Bangladeshi players in the Women’s IPL auction is being seen as a significant step forward for women’s cricket in Bangladesh.
Ireland opt to bat first in Sylhet Test, Bangladesh debutant Hasan Murad gets cap
Ireland have won the toss and elected to bat first against Bangladesh in the opening Test of the series, being held in Sylhet on Tuesday (11 November).
Bangladesh handed a maiden Test cap to left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who received his cap from senior spinner Taijul Islam ahead of the match. The hosts fielded a combination of two pacers and three spinners in their playing XI.
Ireland also introduced two debutants — Jordan Neill and Cade Carmichael — with Neill becoming the youngest Irish cricketer to debut in Test cricket at just 19 years old.
The two teams last met in a Test in April 2023, when Bangladesh secured a convincing four-day victory in Mirpur.
Bangladesh XI: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Hasan Murad.
Ireland XI: Andy Balbirnie (captain), Paul Stirling, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker, Jordan Neill, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young.