India continued their dominance over Pakistan in women’s cricket, securing a convincing 88-run win at the R. Premadasa Stadium during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 to stretch their unbeaten streak to 12-0 overall and 5-0 in World Cups.
India Set a Tricky Target After Early Jolts
After being put in to bat, India posted a competitive total of 247, thanks to crucial middle-order partnerships that steadied their innings following a shaky start.
Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal provided a steady opening, adding quick runs to apply early pressure on Pakistan’s bowling attack.
However, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana broke through by removing Mandhana for 23 off 32 balls. Soon after, spinner Sadia Iqbal cleaned up Rawal for 31, leaving India wobbling at 67-2.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol attempted to rebuild, but Pakistan’s bowlers kept chipping away. Diana Baig struck a crucial blow by dismissing Kaur for 19, and when Deol fell for 46, India were at 106-4, struggling to accelerate.
But just when Pakistan looked to tighten their grip, Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma ensured India pushed past the 200-mark.
Rodrigues’ 32 and Sharma’s steady 25 helped stabilise the innings before late fireworks from Richa Ghosh, who smashed an unbeaten 39 off just 20 balls with three fours and two sixes, lifted India to 247 all out.
Among Pakistan’s bowlers, Diana Baig stood out with 4 for 69, while Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal claimed two wickets each.
Unusual Scenes as Bugs Interrupt Play
In a bizarre twist, the match was briefly interrupted due to a swarm of bugs invading the ground. Fatima Sana was even seen spraying insect repellent during the innings to keep her bowlers focused.
Eventually, umpires had to halt play for a full fumigation when India were 154-4, a rare sight in international cricket.
Pakistan’s Chase Falters Early
Chasing 248, Pakistan needed a solid start. What they got instead was a nightmare. Within 12 overs, the scoreboard read 26-3.
Muneeba Ali was controversially run out for just 2, while Sadaf Shamas (6) and Aliya Riaz (2) fell cheaply to Kranti Goud, leaving the middle order exposed far too early.
Amid the chaos, Sidra Amin stood tall. She found an able ally in Natalia Pervaiz, and the duo added a fighting 69-run stand for the fourth wicket to revive hopes.
Pervaiz, however, departed after a composed 33, undone again by Goud, who was proving to be Pakistan’s tormentor-in-chief.
From there, the innings revolved around Sidra Amin, who battled valiantly against a disciplined Indian attack.
She crafted a brilliant 81 off 106 balls, laced with nine fours and a six, but found little support from the other end. Sidra Nawaz chipped in with 14, yet the wickets continued to tumble.
Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 159, falling short by a massive margin of 88 runs.
A Familiar Tale for Pakistan Women
This defeat marked yet another reminder of India’s dominance in the rivalry. Pakistan have never crossed the 200-run mark in a women’s ODI against India, and despite flashes of resilience, they once again fell victim to early collapses and lack of partnerships.
For India, Kranti Goud’s all-round brilliance and Richa Ghosh’s late assault made all the difference, while Sidra Amin’s lone fight was the only bright spark for Pakistan.
As things stand, India continue their unblemished run against their arch-rivals, while Pakistan will need a strong comeback to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for the latest news and updates.
