DHAKA, Oct 2, 2025 (BSS)—Rubya Haider Jhilik hit a half-century on his ODI debut as Bangladesh Women’s team crushed Pakistan by seven wickets for a winning start to the ICC Cricket World Cup at R Premadasa Stadium today.

Jhilik struck 54 not out, guiding Bangladesh to 130-3 in 31.1 overs after the bowlers, led by Marufa Akter bundled Pakistan out for a meager 129 in 38.3 overs.

Bangladesh thereafter lived up to the expectation of winning it with ease, with Jhilik playing the central role in driving the side to the victory after the departure of two experienced and in form batters Farzana Haque Pinky (2) and Sharmin Akter Supta (10).

The departure of the duo left Bangladesh at precarious 35-2, giving Pakistan a glimmer of hope to claw back into the contest.

Jhilik, ably supported by her captain Nigar Sultana Joty, anchored an enterprising partnership that saw them added 62 runs for the third wicket and edged closer to a victory that Bangladesh targeted even before leaving the country.

Pakistan captain Fatima Sana broke the partnership by accounting her opposite number Joty who made 23.

However, Jhilik and Sobahana Mostary helped the side canter to the victory with the latter being unbeaten on 19 ball-24.

Leg-spinner Shorna Akter claimed three wickets for just five runs to hasten Pakistan’s collapse after pacer Marufa Akter made a killer blow by removing two openers-- Omaia Shohail and Sidra Amin--both for duck in consecutive deliveries.

Marufa couldn’t add any to her two wickets but that gave Bangladesh an impetus which decided the course of the game. and Nahida Akter also rabbed two wickets.

Nahid Joined the party by taking out Muneeba Ali who made 17 before removing Rameen Shamim with a return catch. Rameen was the top-scorer for Pakistan with 23 runs.

Aliya Riaz and Sidra Nawaz got the desired start but Bangladesh bowlers disciplined bowling cut short their stay in the crease.

Skipper Fatima Sana made a resistance which was ended by Fahima Khatun after she made 22.

Sorna then wrapped up Pakistan’s innings by picking up three wickets in quick succession.

Bangladesh will take on England in their second match on October 7 at Guwahati in India.