Qualifier drama in Lahore
On a scorching afternoon at Gaddafi Stadium, the stakes could not have been higher. Five teams entered the final day of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 qualifier with a single World Cup slot still up for grabs. Pakistan, the host nation, had already locked in the top spot with a flawless five‑win run. Bangladesh, however, needed a win or a superior net‑run‑rate to stay alive.
The opening match saw Pakistan chase down Bangladesh’s 178/9 with seven wickets to spare. Fatima Sana’s early breakthroughs – two wickets in the first four overs – left Bangladesh reeling at 21/3. A resilient middle order, anchored by Ritu Moni’s 48 and Fahima Khatun’s unbeaten 44, pulled the total back into contention, but Sadia Iqbal’s three‑for‑28 spell proved decisive. Pakistan’s smooth chase, powered by top‑order runs, sealed a perfect tournament record and forced Bangladesh into a winner‑takes‑all scenario against the West Indies.
Meanwhile, the West Indies faced a must‑win against Thailand. With a net‑run‑rate deficit of 0.013, they needed not just a victory but a dominant one. Hayley Matthews answered the call, blasting 70 off 29 balls and steering the side to the target of 166 in under 11 overs. Yet the math was unforgiving – the required run‑rate swing was just out of reach. The Caribbean side finished 0.013 behind Bangladesh, leaving the latter’s qualification hopes intact despite the loss.
For Bangladesh, the final numbers were a relief. Their net‑run‑rate of +0.254 edged past the West Indies’ +0.241, a margin slim enough to turn heads but wide enough to spark celebration. The team’s composure under pressure, especially the partnership between Moni and Khatun, highlighted a squad that has grown in depth and experience over the past years.
What the World Cup field looks like
The eight‑team roster for the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup in India now reads: hosts India, powerhouses Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Pakistan’s unbeaten run in the qualifier signals a rising force in Asian women’s cricket, while Bangladesh’s qualification underscores the steady progress of Bangladesh Women's Cricket on the global stage.
India, already assured of a home crowd advantage, will face the toughest test yet against a Pakistan side that has never lost a qualifier match. Analysts note that Pakistan’s bowlers, especially the swing duo of Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal, will be key in subcontinental conditions that favor seam and swing.
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will rely on the middle order that rescued them in Lahore. Coach Hashmatullah Shahid has emphasized the need for a stronger opening partnership to avoid early collapses like the 21/3 wobble against Pakistan. If the team can build on the resilience shown by Moni and Khatun, they could become a dark horse capable of upsetting traditional giants.
The West Indies, despite missing out, left a strong impression. Matthews’ explosive innings demonstrated that Caribbean talent remains potent, and the team will likely regroup for the next ICC event. Thailand’s participation in the qualifier, while ending in defeat, also signals the expanding footprint of women’s cricket in Southeast Asia.
Beyond the numbers, the qualifier highlighted a broader trend: the narrowing gap between established and emerging nations. Net‑run‑rate, a statistical nuance, decided the final berth, proving that every run matters. Fans can expect tighter matches, more competitive group stages, and a World Cup that feels truly global.
As the tournament draws nearer, preparations are already underway. Training camps in Sri Lanka and Australia will see teams fine‑tune strategies for Indian pitches. The ICC has announced additional support for emerging nations, hoping to sustain the momentum built in Lahore. For Bangladesh, the journey from qualifier heartbreak to World Cup qualification could become a rallying story for young cricketers back home.
With the line‑up set, the stage is ready for a spectacular showdown in India. Whether it’s Pakistan’s unbeaten confidence, Australia’s relentless aggression, or Bangladesh’s newfound resilience, the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup promises drama, skill, and a showcase of how far women’s cricket has come worldwide.