The India vs Pakistan rivalry added another thrilling chapter in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 as India sealed a convincing 88-run win over Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday (October 5). Despite the victory, captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that the surface was “not an easy track to bat on,” underlining the challenge posed by the Colombo pitch.
India’s Lower Order to the Rescue
India’s innings had its share of stumbles, slipping to 203/7 at one stage. But Richa Ghosh’s explosive unbeaten 35 off 20 balls lifted the team to a competitive 247. Much like their opening game against Sri Lanka, India’s lower order played a crucial role in stabilizing the innings and ensuring a defendable total.
Batters Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol made vital contributions, but Pakistan’s disciplined bowling from Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, and Sadia Iqbal kept India in check for most of the innings. India’s Jeremiah Rodrigues, who played an important hand in the middle overs, reflected:
“I think 247 is a fighting total… the plan was to send Richa late and let her play her shots, which she did superbly.”
Spin Attack Dominates
India’s bowlers turned the game around in emphatic fashion. The spin trio of Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, and Kranti Goud, backed by Renuka Singh’s pace, dismantled Pakistan’s batting order. Despite Sidra Amin’s impressive 81 off 106 balls, Pakistan could only manage 159, folding well short of the target.
The aggregate of 406 runs marked the highest ever combined total in a women’s India-Pakistan World Cup clash, adding further intensity to an already high-stakes rivalry.
No Handshake Tradition Continues
The match also carried political undertones. Continuing India’s no-handshake stance in Indo-Pak encounters, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana avoided the customary pleasantries at the toss. This follows controversies from the Men’s Asia Cup 2025, where post-match handshake refusals and trophy presentation disputes deepened tensions between the two boards.
Despite ICC officials briefing both teams about match-day protocols, the gesture was notably absent once again, sparking discussions that overshadowed some on-field action.
Matchday Atmosphere
The game saw both sides take contrasting warm-up routines. India engaged in football drills and bowling sessions before Harmanpreet and coach Amol Majumdar inspected the pitch, which had been under covers due to prior rains. Pakistan’s squad, meanwhile, gathered for a short huddle near their dugout led by captain Fatima Sana.
Also Read : Asia Cup 2025: India vs Bangladesh – Super Four Clash at Dubai
What’s Next?
With this win, India have now registered two consecutive victories in the Women’s World Cup 2025, strengthening their campaign. Harmanpreet Kaur stressed the importance of the match, calling it “an important game for all of us.” Pakistan, on the other hand, will look to regroup after a spirited but unsuccessful chase.
