Rubya Haider Jhelik scored an unbeaten 54 runs on her one-day international debut as Bangladesh defeated Pakistan in the Women's Cricket World Cup opener. The 28-year-old left-hander reached her milestone from 64 deliveries after struggling through the first 21 balls, and she joined 46 players who have surpassed 50 runs in their first ODI appearance. Jhelik struck eight boundaries against Pakistan's bowling attack, and she accumulated 24 runs from 22 balls against left-arm spinners Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu.
Bangladesh batting coach Nasiruddin Faruque said Jhelik handles spin bowling effectively after improving her strike rotation. Selector Sazzad Ahmed Shipon brought Jhelik into the squad as backup wicketkeeper after watching her fitness and technique develop following an injury that sidelined her for months in 2023. Faruque taught Jhelik to maintain proper bat positioning when moving backward through slab drills with plastic balls.
Bangladesh batting coach Nasiruddin Faruque said Jhelik handles spin bowling effectively after improving her strike rotation. Selector Sazzad Ahmed Shipon brought Jhelik into the squad as backup wicketkeeper after watching her fitness and technique develop following an injury that sidelined her for months in 2023. Faruque taught Jhelik to maintain proper bat positioning when moving backward through slab drills with plastic balls.
