India extended their dominance over Pakistan with a commanding 88-run victory in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Colombo, strengthening their position at the top of the points table. The win, driven by superb bowling from Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma, marked India’s second consecutive triumph, while Pakistan suffered their second straight defeat in the tournament.
A Fierce Clash in Colombo
The high-voltage India vs Pakistan match drew massive attention, not only for the cricketing rivalry but also due to heightened political tensions between the two nations. With Colombo serving as a neutral venue for Pakistan’s games, the atmosphere was charged with anticipation.
India batted first after losing the toss, posting a total of 247 runs in 50 overs before being bowled out on the final delivery. The conditions in Sri Lanka favored bowlers, with the pitch showing signs of moisture after two days under covers.
Steady Start Despite Testing Conditions
India began cautiously, aware of the unpredictable surface. Openers Pratika Rawal (23) and Smriti Mandhana (31) put together a 48-run stand that gave their side a stable foundation. However, Fatima Sana struck late in the ninth over, trapping Rawal lbw and breaking the partnership.
Batting remained tricky as the ball often stopped on the surface. Harleen Deol anchored the middle order with a composed 45, guiding India through the tough middle overs. She looked set for a half-century before being caught at long-on off Rameen Shamim, just as she attempted to accelerate the innings.
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Contributions Across the Line-Up
India’s innings was notable for its balance. Though no batter reached fifty, nearly every player contributed. Richa Ghosh provided a late surge with an unbeaten 35 off just 20 balls, showcasing power and timing that lifted India’s total.
Pakistan’s Diana Baig bowled with heart, claiming 4 wickets for 69 runs, but her high economy rate hurt the team’s control. Fatima Sana also impressed, finishing with 2 for 39. However, Pakistan’s fielding lapses — including dropped catches and misfields — allowed India to score freely in the closing overs.
Adding to the unusual circumstances, play was briefly halted when fumigators entered the ground to deal with swarming flies. Even after the delay, players continued battling both the ball and the bugs.
Goud and Sharma Lead India’s Bowling Attack
Chasing 248, Pakistan’s innings unraveled quickly. Kranti Goud made an immediate impact, dismantling Pakistan’s top order with pace and precision. Her spell of 3 wickets for 20 runs in 10 overs left Pakistan reeling at 26 for 3 by the 12th over.
Renuka Singh Thakur bowled beautifully alongside Goud, generating movement that consistently troubled the batters. Though she remained wicketless due to missed catches and close umpiring calls, her pressure created opportunities that others capitalized on.
Pakistan found a brief moment of resistance through Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz, who added 69 runs for the fourth wicket. Their stand gave Pakistan a glimmer of hope, but the required rate kept climbing as the overs slipped away.
Collapse Under Pressure
Once Sidra Amin fell in the 40th over, the chase completely collapsed. Fatima Sana, promoted to steady the innings, could only manage 2 runs off 14 balls, further tightening India’s grip. The final wickets tumbled swiftly, with Pakistan bowled out just three overs later.
The team’s inability to handle India’s disciplined bowling proved costly. Their batters struggled with timing and footwork, and the pressure of chasing under lights deepened their troubles.
Captains Reflect on the Match
After the defeat, Pakistan’s captain Sana Mir expressed disappointment over her team’s performance, particularly their fielding and missed chances. “In the start of the powerplay, we gave away too many runs. In the death overs, we also let India score freely. We could have restricted them below 200,” she said.
India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur was full of praise for her team’s discipline and teamwork. “Kranti was outstanding today. The spinners supported her well, creating constant pressure. We missed a few chances, but overall, it was a great team effort,” she said.
Political Undertones and Sportsmanship
Much like recent men’s matches between the two nations, this encounter carried political undertones. The tension was visible from the start — there were no handshakes at the toss or after the match. Despite this, both teams showed professionalism on the field, keeping the focus on cricket.
The rivalry continues to be one of the most watched events in world cricket, combining emotion, pride, and performance. For India, the victory extended their unbeaten run against Pakistan in one-day internationals to 12 consecutive wins.
Tournament Outlook
With this win, India climbed to the top of the table with four points from two matches. The team now returns home for the next stage of their group games and will face South Africa on Thursday.
Pakistan, still seeking their first win, remain in Colombo and are set to take on defending champions Australia on Wednesday. The team will need to regroup quickly to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
India’s Statement of Strength
India’s emphatic victory was more than just another win — it was a statement of strength and depth. With both their batting and bowling firing in sync, the hosts look poised to make a deep run in the tournament.
For Pakistan, the road ahead looks tough, but the lessons from this loss may help them rebuild confidence. As the Women’s World Cup unfolds, the India-Pakistan rivalry once again proves why it remains one of the most intense contests in global sport.
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