SOUTHAMPTON, UK: Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan in the 15th match of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Rose Bowl on Saturday, as both teams chase vital points in the group stage of the tournament.
The decision to put runs on the board comes as Bangladesh look to build on their encouraging start to the campaign, while Pakistan desperately seek their first victory after two consecutive defeats that have left their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread.
Pakistan ring changes after disappointing start
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana leads a side that has endured a torrid time in the tournament so far, suffering losses to arch-rivals India and a formidable South Africa outfit. The Green Shirts have been forced to rethink their combination, with Ayesha Zafar and Iram Javed finding places in the playing XI as they search for the winning formula.
The Pakistan lineup features the experienced Muneeba Ali behind the stumps, with Gull Feroza providing firepower at the top. The spin duo of Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal will be crucial on what is expected to be a surface offering assistance to slower bowlers.
Bangladesh banking on winning momentum
Nigar Sultana’s side enter the contest with renewed confidence following their impressive six-wicket victory over Netherlands in their tournament opener. The Tigers have won three of their last five T20 internationals, a stark contrast to Pakistan’s winless run stretching back six matches.
The Bangladesh batting order boasts the explosive Dilara Akter and the reliable Sharmin Akhter, while the captain herself will look to anchor the innings from her preferred position in the middle order.
The bowling attack, led by Nahida Akter and Rabeya Khan, has shown the ability to defend totals and will be confident of exploiting any pressure on the Pakistan batters.
Head-to-head favours Pakistan despite recent struggles
Despite their current form woes, Pakistan hold a commanding 16-4 lead over Bangladesh in the 20 T20 internationals contested between the two sides. Their most recent meeting in October 2023 saw Pakistan prevail by 31 runs in Chattogram, though Bangladesh had already secured the series 2-1 prior to that contest.
However, the contrasting momentum heading into this fixture suggests the historical record may count for little. Pakistan have lost their last two World Cup matches, including a heavy defeat to South Africa that severely damaged their net run rate, now sitting at a worrying -2.263.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, occupy fourth position in Group 1 and will sense an opportunity to climb the standings with a victory over their struggling opponents. A win would put the Tigers in pole position for a semi-final berth, while defeat would leave Pakistan’s campaign on life support with matches against top teams still to come.
The conditions at The Rose Bowl are expected to be favourable for batting early on, with the possibility of spin coming into play as the match progresses. Both teams will be aware that the outcome of this encounter could have far-reaching consequences for their World Cup aspirations.
Squads
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali (wk), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Saira Jabeen, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana (c), Tuba Hassan, Tasmia Rubab, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.
Bangladesh: Juairiya Ferdous, Dilara Akter, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Shanjida Akter Meghla and Marufa Akter.
