All eyes are fixed on the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as India and Pakistan lock horns in Match 6 of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. This high-stakes encounter, played on October 5, 2025, at a neutral venue due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, is more than just a cricket match—it’s a showcase of rivalry, history, and the ever-growing profile of women’s cricket in South Asia.
India entered the contest riding high after a commanding 59-run (DLS method) victory over co-hosts Sri Lanka in their tournament opener. The team, led by the dynamic Harmanpreet Kaur, is widely regarded as one of the favorites to lift the trophy, especially with the home advantage and a roster stacked with star talent. Their impressive start was powered by all-round brilliance: Deepti Sharma contributed 53 runs and snared three wickets, while Amanjot Kaur chipped in with a crucial 57 runs and a wicket, underlining India’s depth in both batting and bowling.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have had a rocky start to their World Cup campaign. Their opening match against Bangladesh ended in disappointment, as the team was bundled out for just 129 runs, with only two batters crossing the 20-run mark. Bangladesh chased down the target with ease, handing Pakistan a seven-wicket defeat and exposing frailties in both their batting and bowling departments.
The India-Pakistan rivalry in women’s ODIs is as lopsided as it is storied. India boasts a perfect 11-0 record against their neighbors in this format, with their last World Cup encounter in 2022 resulting in a thumping 107-run win for the Women in Blue. Pakistan’s only wins over India have come in T20Is, highlighting the gulf in class between the two sides in the 50-over format since their first meeting in 2005.
Cricket analyst Roshan Abeysinghe summed up the prevailing sentiment ahead of the match, telling ANI, "Cricket-wise, India is way ahead. There is no doubt about it. When you look at the Indian team and the type of players it has, including Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, the skipper, Jemimah Rodrigues, and all the other girls, they have all been magnificent. Pakistan, on the other hand, is a struggling unit. In terms of cricket, India is in front, but I do not want to predict things as funny things happen." Abeysinghe also commented on the off-field dynamics, wondering aloud, "Will they shake hands, talk to each other, and have the camaraderie and friendship reignited?"
India’s likely XI for the clash features Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal at the top, followed by the likes of Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The middle order is bolstered by Richa Ghosh, while the all-round prowess of Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur provides crucial balance. The bowling attack, expected to lean heavily on spin, includes Sree Charani, Sneh Rana, and the pace of Kranti Goud. The squad’s depth is further highlighted by reserves such as Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, and Sayali Satghare.
Pakistan, desperate for a turnaround, will be banking on their star batter Sidra Amin, who is the top ODI scorer in 2025 but has yet to fire in Sri Lanka. Muneeba Ali and Omaima Sohail are likely to open, with Natalia Pervaiz, Aliya Riaz, and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) forming the backbone of the batting order. The captaincy of Sana Fatima brings experience, while Nashra Sandhu (16 wickets in 2025 ODIs) leads a spin-heavy attack. Diana Baig and Sadia Iqbal round out the bowling options, and all-rounder Fatima Sana’s contributions will be vital if Pakistan are to post a competitive total or defend one.
As the match unfolded, India set Pakistan a formidable target of 248 runs. The chase was always going to be a stiff ask for Pakistan, especially given their recent struggles with the bat. Early in the innings, Pakistan suffered a blow when Sidra Amin, their most reliable run-getter this year, was dismissed. The live commentary and photo streams captured the tension and drama as every run was hard-earned and every wicket fiercely contested.
Weather, as ever in Colombo during the monsoon, threatened to play spoilsport. The day began with sunshine, much to the relief of fans both at the stadium and watching on TV. However, local forecasts warned of showers throughout the day, and the memory of the previous day’s washout between Australia and Sri Lanka loomed large. The north-east monsoon’s early arrival in Sri Lanka meant that a rain-affected match remained a distinct possibility, adding an extra layer of uncertainty to an already charged encounter.
For viewers around the world, the match was accessible through a variety of broadcast and streaming options. In India, Star Sports and the Jio Hotstar app provided live coverage. UK fans tuned in via Sky Sports Cricket and the Sky App, while in the United States, Willow TV and Fubo carried the action live from 5:30 a.m. ET. Pakistan had coverage through Maharaja TV, PTV, and Ten Sports, with additional streaming on Myco and Tamasha. Australia and Bangladesh also had dedicated broadcast partners, reflecting the global interest in this marquee fixture.
As the game progressed, the pressure mounted on both sides—India aiming to preserve their unbeaten ODI record against Pakistan, and Pakistan seeking a historic first win to jumpstart their campaign. The stakes were further heightened by the broader tournament context, with Australia, England, and South Africa also looming as major contenders for the title.
Fans and pundits alike recognized that, while India’s dominance on paper was clear, cricket has a way of springing surprises. Abeysinghe cautioned against complacency, noting, "I do not want to predict things as funny things happen." Indeed, the unpredictable nature of sport, combined with the emotional charge of an India-Pakistan clash, meant that anything could happen on the day.
With the match still ongoing and Pakistan chasing a daunting 248, the cricketing world watches with bated breath. Will India extend their perfect run, or can Pakistan script an upset for the ages? Regardless of the result, the contest has already delivered on drama, skill, and the unique spirit that only an India-Pakistan World Cup clash can provide.
As the sun ducks in and out behind the clouds in Colombo, the outcome remains undecided, but one thing is certain—the rivalry, the passion, and the spectacle of women’s cricket are very much alive.
