Bangladesh's imploded with the bat in the dying moments of the game as they succumbed to a seven-run defeat against Sri Lanka in Navi Mumbai on Monday which saw them crash out of the ICC Women's World Cup. 

Bangladesh will also be boosted by the expected return of pacer Marufa Akter.

Rabeya Khan struck twice, while Bates was run out after a 33-ball 29 -- laced with six fours -- leaving New Zealand struggling at 39 for three after 12 overs.

Before departing for the World Cup, expectations surrounding Nigar Sultana Joty's side were relatively modest.

Skipper Nigar Sultana Joty said the team remains focused on playing their natural game against title contenders England in Guwahati today.

Bangladesh could not have asked for a better start to their ICC Women’s World Cup campaign. Fast bowler Marufa Akter, already making a name as the Tigresses’ firebrand, pegged Pakistan on the backfoot from the onset at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter made an unforgettable impact in the ICC Women’s World Cup with a fiery opening spell against Pakistan that left cricket fans and legends alike singing her praises.

The 20-year-old speedster, long touted as one of Bangladesh’s brightest talents, delivered the dream start she had visualised for months.

Just one match into their campaign in the ICC Women's World Cup 2025, Bangladesh have already matched their previous best finish courtesy of an emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Colombo on Thursday.

Marufa Akter burst onto the scene as one of Bangladesh’s most promising pace bowlers. Her blend of youthful exuberance, skill, and ambition quickly earned her a key role in the national team. The 20-year-old pacer from Nilphamari spoke to The Daily Star’s Abdullah Al Mehdi about her injury setbacks, her World Cup ambitions, and the drive to keep improving. The excerpts of the interview are as follows:

Bangladesh's preparation for the upcoming ICC Women's World Cup suffered a blow as their first warm-up match against South Africa ended in a no result due to rain at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground on Thursday.

Wicketkeeper-batter Nigar Sultana Joty, pacer Marufa Akter, and leg-spinner Fahima Khatun stood out as Team Red defeated Team Green by 32 runs in the opening match of the Women’s Challenge Cup at BKSP-3 on Monday.

Bangladesh women’s team pacer Marufa Akter was confident that her team can carry the momentum from the comprehensive win over Ireland in the first WODI and seal the three-match series in the second game, set to take place at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.

Marufa claimed 4 for 29 against India at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on July 26 to help the hosts seal a 40-run win

Bangladesh women’s cricket team pacer, Marufa Akter, was a breakout cricketer in the previous year and her impressive efforts saw her making it among the nominees for the ICC Women’s Emerging Cricketer of the Year award, revealed by the global cricket’s governing body on Wednesday. 

Bangladesh pacer Marufa Akter and leg-spinner Rabeya Khan were included in the auction list of the upcoming Women’s Indian Premier League (WIPL) next year.

Marufa Akter has emerged as the new sensation in Bangladesh women’s cricket team. The youngster from Nilphamari was instrumental behind the Tigresses’ maiden ODI win against India, picking up four wickets in the opening match of the three-match series recently. The 18-year-old pacer then held her nerve to defend three runs in the final over in the final ODI as Bangladesh tied the game and drew the series 1-1. Marufa spoke in detail to The Daily Star’s Mazhar Uddin, opening up about her bowling, life, future plans among many other topics during an exclusive interview, the excerpts of which are as follows:

After leading her side to a historic achievement against a strong India in their recent white-ball series at home, Bangladesh women’s cricket team skipper Nigar Sultana Joty spoke to Mazhar Uddin of The Daily Star, sharing her plans, the areas Bangladesh need to improve, and how the women’s cricket in the country could move forward. Here are the excerpts from the interview:  

Bangladesh Women’s cricket team pacer Marufa Akter passed the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) and equivalent examinations with a GPA of 4.06.

Bangladesh women’s cricket team’s latest sensation Marufa Akter’s strenuous journey to the country’s national team had her save tiffin money to buy tennis balls to play cricket, her mother Morzina Begum revealed on Sunday.