Nashra Sandhu became part of a rare and unfortunate moment in cricket history during Pakistan’s clash with Bangladesh in Match No.3 of the Women’s World Cup at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Thursday, October 2.
The left-arm pacer was dismissed hit-wicket, making her the first Pakistani woman and only the second player overall to suffer this mode of dismissal in Women’s World Cup history. The only other instance dates back to 1973 when Lynette Smith, representing the International XI Women, was dismissed hit-wicket against Trinidad & Tobago Women in Liverpool.
Bangladesh vs Pakistan, Women’s World Cup Updates
Sandhu’s dismissal also placed her alongside Pakistan’s male cricketers Misbah-ul-Haq and Imam-ul-Haq, both of whom experienced hit-wicket dismissals in ODI World Cups. Misbah fell to Ireland pacer Alex Cusack in 2015 at the Adelaide Oval, while Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed by Mustafizur Rahman at Lord’s in 2019.
As far as Sandhu is concerned, the incident unfolded in dramatic fashion as Pakistan’s innings was already in trouble at eight down. Facing Shorna Akter, Sandhu attempted to play a gentle poke at a flatter delivery outside off stump. She failed to make contact with the ball, but in an unfortunate twist, her follow-through disturbed the stumps, resulting in the rare hit-wicket dismissal.
Pakistan batters huff and puff
Pakistan struggled significantly against Bangladesh, managing just 129 runs in 38.3 overs, with none of their batters able to put up a fight. Early collapses set the tone, as Omaima Sohail and Sidra Amin were dismissed for ducks within the first over, with Marufa Akter drawing first blood. Muneeba Ali (17) and Rameen Shamim (23) tried to stabilize the innings but could not convert their starts.
Middle-order batters Aliya Riaz (13) and Fatima Sana (22) showed some resistance but fell cheaply, while lower-order contributions were minimal. Nashra Sandhu was dismissed hit-wicket for one. Bangladesh bowlers dominated, with Shorna Akter taking 3 wickets for 5 runs and Nahida Akter 2 for 19, keeping Pakistan under pressure and preventing any partnerships from flourishing.
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