Pakistan Regroup After Bangladesh Loss, Focus on India Rivalry

Pakistan’s women’s CWC 2025 campaign stumbled at the very first hurdle as Bangladesh powered to a statement victory. For skipper Fatima Sana and her teammates, the defeat was more than just two points dropped; it was a wake-up call.

Bangladesh’s young quick Marufa Akter ripped through the Pakistan top order with a spell that had the crowd gasping. 

By the time the damage was done, Pakistan was already on the back foot. “Nothing was happening on the pitch in those early wickets,” Sana admitted afterwards. “It was purely our mistakes, and hopefully the batters will minimize those errors in the next match.”

That next match isn’t just any fixture. It’s the Pakistan vs India women’s match, a contest that carries weight far beyond the scorecard. The clash on Sunday promises intensity, noise, and pressure that few players ever forget. Suddenly, the stakes feel enormous.

Pakistan did show glimpses of fight even in defeat. Their bowlers found rhythm later in the innings, and fielding standards held up. But as Sana pointed out, the real issue lay in how her batters handled pressure. “The way we got out today on the first ball, second ball, those moments really hurt. We’ll sit with the coach, make better plans, and try to play the cricket we’ve been playing in the past,” she said.

Marufa, just 20 years old, could hardly contain her emotions. “Two months ago, I was dreaming about this moment. Always thinking, even while sleeping, that in my first match I’d do something big,” she said, beaming after being named Player of the Match. Her captain, Nigar Sultana Joty, was equally glowing in praise. “She’s young but very mature. She knows her role very well and delivered incredibly. Starting with a win gives us momentum.” The Bangladesh women’s cricket win has already sent a ripple through the tournament standings.

Pakistan, meanwhile, faces a brutal turnaround. Younger players like Shawaal Zulfiqar and Eyman Fatima now face the test of performing under the brightest lights. For some, this will be their very first taste of cricket’s fiercest rivalry.

Indeed, all eyes now shift to Sunday. The Pakistan vs India women’s match is more than a group-stage encounter; it’s a chance for redemption, a test of resilience, and perhaps the game that defines Pakistan Women’s World Cup journey.

One thing is certain. When the two teams walk out, past results won’t matter. It’s about handling the noise, the nerves, and the pressure of a rivalry that never disappoints.