COLOMBO, Sri Lanka: Pakistan delivered a disciplined bowling performance to dismiss India for 247 runs in 50 overs in a high-stakes group-stage encounter of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Pakistan struck at regular intervals to prevent India from capitalising on several promising partnerships.
Despite a steady start from Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal, the innings faltered under pressure from Pakistan’s bowlers.
Mandhana was the first to fall for 23 off 32 balls, caught behind off captain Fatima Sana, while Rawal followed soon after, bowled by left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal for 31. India slipped to 67-2 inside the first 15 overs.
Harleen Deol (46) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (19) attempted to rebuild, adding 39 runs before Kaur was dismissed by Diana Baig, who went on to take four wickets.
Jemimah Rodrigues added 32 but became Nashra Sandhu’s only victim, trapped leg before in the 35th over.
India crossed the 200-run mark through a steady partnership between Deepti Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20), but both fell in quick succession as Pakistan regained control in the closing overs.
A late flourish from wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 20 balls with three fours and two sixes, helped India reach 247 before being bowled out in the final over.
For Pakistan, Diana Baig was the standout performer with figures of 4-69 from 10 overs. Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal took two wickets each, while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu chipped in with one apiece.
No handshake
The match began amid renewed tensions between the two sides, as captains Fatima Sana and Harmanpreet Kaur once again refrained from shaking hands at the toss — continuing a sporting rift that began during the men’s Asia Cup earlier this year.
Both teams stood apart during the pre-match formalities, though play began in good spirit before a lively Colombo crowd.
Contrasting form
India entered the contest with momentum after a 59-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening match, while Pakistan were under pressure following a seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said before the match that her side was “focused purely on the game” and would not be distracted by external issues. “We are here to play competitive cricket and give our best performance on the field,” she told reporters.
Pitch and conditions
The R. Premadasa Stadium has traditionally favoured batters, though the overcast conditions and early seam movement gave Pakistan’s bowlers an advantage in the morning session. Spinners are expected to play a greater role as the match progresses under lights.
