Bangladesh has won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in a crucial Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier match, with a direct ticket to the main event in India on the line. A win would secure Team Tigresses’ spot in the World Cup, while even a narrow loss could still keep them ahead on net run rate. However, a heavy defeat could see them miss out entirely.

The match, being held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday (April 19), is the final group stage game for Bangladesh, who currently sit on six points from three wins in four matches. Their recent loss to West Indies by three wickets dealt a blow to their momentum, but they remain strong contenders with a net run rate of +1.033. Pakistan, on the other hand, have already booked their place in the main round after a commanding 87-run win over Thailand, thanks to Sidra Ameen’s heroics.

Should Bangladesh overcome Fatima Sana’s Pakistan, they will qualify outright. If not, they must hope their net run rate holds up against potential challenges from Scotland and the West Indies. Given the tight scenario, the squad is gearing up to give it their all in what could be a do-or-die battle.

In their last encounter in November 2023 in Dhaka, Bangladesh convincingly beat Pakistan by 7 wickets. Out of 15 matches played between the two sides, each has won seven times, with one game ending in a tie.

Bangladesh XI: Dilara Akter (wk), Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akter, Nigar Sultana Joty (capt), Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Jannatul Ferdous, Rabeya Khatun, Marufa Akter.

Pakistan XI: Shawal Zulfiqar, Muneeba Ali, Sidra Ameen, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Fatima Sana (capt), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu.