Pakistan bat first; Bangladesh hand debut to Haider

Fatima Sana, playing in her 50th ODI for Pakistan, chose to bat first in scorching conditions as Colombo hosted its first match of the Women's World Cup. Sana has spared her side from having to field in 32 degree heat but temperatures are only expected to dip to around 27 after dark, so both sides will need to manage their energy levels as the game goes on.

Bangladesh's captain Nigar Sultana, also would have chosen to bat but said it was "okay," for her side to field first. That gives extra time to debutant Rubya Haider, who will open the batting with Fargana Hoque, to soak in the feeling of playing her first ODI. Bangladesh have gone for a familiar XI with Sultana carded at No.4 and an attack that includes four spinners. Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan and Shorna Akter all bowl legspin with Nishita Akter offering an offspin option. Marufa Akter is their only seamer.

Bangladesh have not played any matches since qualifying for the tournament in April but have had several camps in preparation. Pakistan, on the other hand, are fresh off a series against South Africa where Sidra Amin scored two centuries. She will bat at No.3, with Sana in at No.6. She is one of three seam options alongside Diana Baig and allrounder Natalia Pervaiz and they also have three spinners: Rameen Shami, Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal.

Pakistan have only won one of their last 21 World Cup matches while Bangladesh have won one match in their World Cup history, against Pakistan in 2022.

Bangladesh: 1 Farqana Hoque, 2 Rubya Haider, 3 Sharmin Akhter, 4 Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), 5 Sobhana Mostary, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Nishita Akter

Pakistan: 1 Muneeba Ali, 2 Omaima Sohail, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz, 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Fatima Sana (capt), 7 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Diana Baig, 11 Sadia Iqbal