Bangladesh targeting maiden World Cup win against familiar foes Pakistan

Both sides are yet to win a match at the 2022 World Cup, but Nigar Sultana is taking confidence from her side's strong record against Pakistan and performances in the tournament to date

Bangladesh are targeting an historic World Cup win when they take on Pakistan in Hamilton on March 14.

Both sides are yet to pick up any points in the 2022 tournament, with Bangladesh losing to South Africa by 32 runs and New Zealand by nine wickets in their opening two matches. However, the World Cup debutants are heading into their next match with confidence due to their strong record against Pakistan.

Nigar Sultana’s side have won five of their 11 ODIs against Pakistan, including three of their past four encounters, and recently got the better of their familiar foes in a World Cup qualifier in Zimbabwe in November 2021.

Bangladesh edged that match by three wickets with two balls remaining, with Nahida Akter (2 for 25) stifling Pakistan with the ball and Fargana Hoque (45), their joint-highest run-scorer at the World Cup, and Rumana Ahmed (50 not out) among the runs.

"We know them very well because we have played each other many times, so we have a good idea against them," Sultana said. "And I think we have a good chance to make our first win in the World Cup."

^{Nigar Sultana (centre) believes Bangladesh have a good chance of beating Pakistan [Sanka Vidanagama/Getty Images]}

Sultana, who has a full-strength squad to select from, is also taking confidence from her side’s previous two performances against much stronger sides, adding: "The way the girls played in the last two matches, I think it was brilliant. The results may not have gone our way but I think we are improving and we could see that in the last two matches.

"How our bowlers bowled against South Africa, it was brilliant. And I think the way the batters batted against New Zealand was superb. I think if we play in the same way, we could implement our batting and bowling plan together, it will be a great match."

Given Pakistan’s poor form at present, this is Bangladesh’s best opportunity to pick up points at the World Cup.

Bismah Maroof’s side have won just one of their past eight ODIs, including crushing defeats against India (107 runs) and Australia (seven wickets) at the World Cup, and are yet to win a match in New Zealand in 10 attempts.

However, they have a lot to play for as they bid to record their first World Cup win in 13 years – they defeated West Indies by four wickets on March 14, 2009 – and avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon.

And they came agonisingly close to victory against South Africa on Friday, falling six runs short in their chase of 223 thanks to two late wickets from Shabnim Ismail.

Four batters – Maroof, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, and Nida Dar – have scored half-centuries in the tournament to date while tailender Diana Baig is scoring at a strike rate of 91.66, suggesting Pakistan shouldn’t be underestimated with the bat. Nashra Sandhu will likely be the key player with the ball, with the spinner picking up four wickets and conceding just 3.44 runs per over in the first three matches.