Bangladesh Women suffer shocking 87-run defeat to U-15 boys ahead of ODI World Cup 2025

The Bangladesh Women’s cricket team’s preparations for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed a stunning moment. With just over a month left for the global tournament in India and Sri Lanka, the Nigar Sultana-led team suffered an embarrassing 87-run defeat against Bangladesh’s Under-15 boys in a warm-up fixture.

Bangladesh Women have been gearing up for the marquee event through a three-team domestic One Day tournament featuring Bangladesh Green (women’s), Bangladesh Red (women’s senior team), and the U-15 boys. This was designed as part of their build-up before heading into the World Cup. However, instead of gaining confidence, the team has been put under question after their loss to school-level opponents.

In the second game of the Cup, Bangladesh U-15 boys batted first and posted 182 runs in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, they bundled out Bangladesh Women’s Red for just 94 runs in 38 overs, sealing a brilliant 87-run victory. The women’s batting unit collapsed under pressure, with only four players managing to cross double digits. Opener Sharmin Sultana top-scored with 20, but no other batter could build on the start. The middle and lower orders had no answers against the bowling of the youngsters. Notably, clips of the boys celebrating the dismissal of Bangladesh’s last batter quickly went viral, triggering debates online about the state of the women’s team ahead of a major ICC tournament.

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Captain Nigar Sultana and her team will now have to regroup quickly. Bangladesh does have two official warm-up matches in Colombo before the World Cup begins, which will be crucial in getting their rhythm back and boosting their morale. 

Bangladesh will play seven league matches in the upcoming World Cup. They open their campaign against Pakistan on October 2 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, followed by fixtures against England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, and India. Their final league game against India is scheduled for October 26 in Bengaluru, though venue changes are being considered.