India’s women’s cricket team delivered a commanding performance to defeat archrivals Pakistan by 88 runs in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 5. With this victory, India not only extended their flawless record against Pakistan in women’s ODIs to 12-0 but also surged to the top of the tournament points table, boasting four points from two matches.
The highly anticipated clash unfolded amid a backdrop of political tension, recent cross-border hostilities, and fervent fan anticipation. The atmosphere was electric, but the match was anything but straightforward. From a toss controversy to a swarm of bugs disrupting play, and a contentious run-out decision, the day had it all—before the cricketing action could even take center stage.
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss, albeit in bizarre circumstances. As the coin spun in the air, Sana called out "tails," but match referee Shandre Fritz misheard, announcing "heads is the call." The coin landed on heads, and Pakistan were awarded the toss. Neither captain questioned the decision. Sana promptly elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit the moisture-laden pitch following days of rain in Colombo.
India’s innings was a tale of starts without conversions, with several batters getting in but failing to capitalize. Openers Smriti Mandhana (31) and Pratika Rawal (23) provided a steady, if unspectacular, 48-run partnership before Rawal was trapped lbw by Fatima Sana. Jemimah Rodrigues added a handy 32, but it was Harleen Deol who anchored the innings with a gritty 46 off 65 balls, guiding India past the 150-run mark in the 33rd over. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, meanwhile, fell cheaply—one of several batters who struggled to adapt to the tricky, sweating surface.
Pakistan’s bowlers, especially Diana Baig, kept the Indian batters on a tight leash. Baig finished with impressive figures of 4 for 69, claiming wickets at crucial junctures. Fatima Sana chipped in with two wickets, and Rameen Shamim took one, as India found themselves at 201 for 6 in the 45th over.
Just as India’s momentum seemed to be stalling, Richa Ghosh provided a late flourish. Her unbeaten 35 off just 20 balls, featuring three boundaries and two sixes, propelled India to a competitive 247 before being bowled out on the final ball of their 50 overs. Notably, it was India’s highest ODI total without a batter reaching fifty—a testament to the team’s collective effort.
However, the first innings wasn’t without its drama. Swarms of flies plagued the players, prompting a 15-minute delay for fumigation. A man in a gas mask strode onto the field, spraying bug repellent across the pitch in a surreal scene that left both players and spectators bemused. “Who you gonna call? Bugbuster!” quipped one commentator, as players continued to swat at insects long after play resumed.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a disastrous start. Indian seamers Kranti Goud and Renuka Singh Thakur exploited the moisture and grass on the pitch, reducing Pakistan to 26 for 3 by the 12th over. Thakur bowled with venom and swing, but was unlucky to finish wicketless due to dropped catches and unreviewed lbw shouts.
The biggest flashpoint came early in the chase. Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali was at the center of a controversial run-out. Initially given not out by third umpire Kerrin Klaaste, replays showed Muneeba had grounded her bat but then lifted it as the ball struck the stumps. The decision was reversed to out, sparking protests from Pakistan captain Fatima Sana, who argued her batter was not attempting a run. The decision stood, and Muneeba had to depart. Ironically, had India reviewed the preceding lbw appeal, ball-tracking showed Muneeba would have been out anyway.
Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz attempted to steady the ship, stitching together a 69-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Amin, dropped three times, capitalized to score a resilient 81 off 106 balls—her 13th ODI fifty—while Pervaiz contributed 33. For a brief period, Pakistan threatened to mount a comeback, but the required rate kept climbing, and wickets began to tumble.
India’s bowlers, led by the relentless Kranti Goud (3 for 20 in 10 overs) and supported by spinners Deepti Sharma (3 for 45) and Sneh Rana (2 for 38), tightened the noose. Goud’s disciplined line and Sharma’s knack for breakthroughs proved decisive. Pakistan’s lower order crumbled, and they were bowled out for 159 in the 43rd over.
After the match, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana rued her side’s missed chances. “In the start of the powerplay, we gave away a lot of runs. In the death overs, we also gave away some extra runs,” she admitted, highlighting missed run-out opportunities and misfields. India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur was effusive in her praise for the bowlers: “Kranti [Goud] was outstanding. The spinners also helped to get breakthroughs. We created so many chances, but we dropped a few. In the end, we are happy.”
The match was also notable for what didn’t happen—there were no handshakes between the teams at the toss or after the game, mirroring the frosty relations between the nations. The contest, played in front of a lively Colombo crowd, drew extra attention given the recent political tensions and the fact that all of Pakistan’s matches are being played in Sri Lanka as a neutral venue.
With this victory, India now sit atop the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 table, having previously beaten Sri Lanka in their opening match. Their next challenge comes against South Africa in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, October 9. Pakistan, meanwhile, remains winless against India in women’s ODIs and will face defending champions Australia in Colombo on Wednesday, October 8.
The day will be remembered for its cricketing drama and off-field oddities alike. Whether it was the confusion at the toss, the bug invasion, or the run-out controversy, this India-Pakistan clash had all the ingredients of a World Cup classic. For Indian fans, the unbeaten streak continues—and for Pakistan, the hunt for a maiden win over their neighbors goes on.
