Jhelik shines on debut as Tigresses beat Pakistan in WC opener

Opener Rubaiya Haider Jhelik marked her WODI debut with a match-winning half-century as Bangladesh beat Pakistan by seven wickets in their opening ICC Women's World Cup fixture in Colombo on Thursday.

Bangladesh's bowlers set the tone early, with pacer Marufa Akter striking twice in the very first over, removing Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin. Spinners Shorna Akter (3-5) and Nahida Akter (2-19) then tightened the grip, helping bowl out Pakistan for just 129 runs in 38.3 overs after they had opted to bat first.

In reply, debutant Jhelik stole the spotlight with an unbeaten 54 off 77 balls, laced with eight boundaries. She forged a vital 62-run third-wicket partnership with skipper Nigar Sultana Joty (23 off 44), before Sobhana Mostary's quickfire 24 off 19 balls, featuring six fours, sealed the chase. Bangladesh reached 131-3 in 31.1 overs to clinch a comprehensive victory.