A Rivalry Rekindled in Colombo
The sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 turned into a one-sided affair as India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs. The highly anticipated clash was held at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where thousands of fans gathered to witness one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
The match carried more than just points; it was about pride, history, and momentum in the tournament. For India, the win provided an early boost in their World Cup journey. For Pakistan, it was yet another reminder of their struggles against their neighbors in high-pressure games.
India’s Innings: Patient Batting, Crucial Partnerships
Winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana elected to field, hoping her bowlers would exploit the early conditions. India, however, displayed composure and determination.
India were bowled out for 247 runs in exactly 50 overs. Harleen Deol’s 46-run knock stood out, balancing patience with resilience against disciplined bowling. Despite not reaching a half-century, her innings proved decisive in stabilizing the middle order.
Pakistan’s bowling was impressive at intervals. Diana Baig led the attack with four wickets, troubling the Indian batters with movement and consistency. Saadia Iqbal and Fatima Sana chipped in with two wickets each, while Nashra Sandhu and Rameen Shamim picked up one apiece. The final flourish of Pakistan’s bowling effort came when they dismissed India on the very last ball of the innings.
Pakistan’s Chase Falters Despite Sidra Ameen’s Effort
Chasing 248 runs, Pakistan never looked comfortable. Their innings folded for 159 runs, falling well short of the target. Opener Sidra Ameen showed grit, scoring 81 runs in a lone battle that kept Pakistan’s hopes alive for a while.
Natalia Pervaiz contributed 33, while wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz added 14 runs. However, the rest of the batting order collapsed under pressure. No other player managed to reach double figures, reflecting the team’s long-standing batting frailties.
India’s bowlers ensured that Pakistan could not build sustained partnerships. Kranthi Gaud and Deepti Sharma both claimed three wickets each, exploiting the middle-order weakness. Sneh Rana added two wickets to seal the contest comprehensively.
A Record-Breaking Contest
Despite Pakistan’s defeat, the game had historical significance. The combined total of 406 runs marked the highest aggregate score in a Women’s World Cup match between India and Pakistan.
Another milestone came from Pakistan’s bowling unit. For the first time in One Day International history, Pakistan managed to bowl India out completely in a women’s fixture. However, their batters could not transform this achievement into a victory, leaving fans frustrated yet hopeful for improvement.
Missed Opportunities for Pakistan
Before the match, captain Fatima Sana expressed confidence that her team could replicate the energy they showed in the qualifying rounds. Pakistan had recently finalised their squad for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, raising expectations of stronger performances in the tournament. However, early wickets and middle-order failures undermined those hopes. Pakistan’s decision to bowl first seemed justified initially but backfired when their batting lineup faltered under scoreboard pressure.
The result highlighted Pakistan’s recurring issue in major tournaments: a lack of consistency with the bat. While their bowlers have often performed admirably, the batting collapses continue to haunt the team in crunch situations.
Looking Ahead
For India, the win consolidates their position in the group stage and boosts morale ahead of tougher matches. Their balanced performance with both bat and ball will encourage confidence as they target a place in the knockout rounds.
Pakistan, meanwhile, face a critical moment in the tournament. With early defeats adding pressure, they must regroup quickly if they hope to stay in contention. Analysts point to the need for batting depth, better strike rotation, and stronger mental resilience against top-tier opponents.
The India-Pakistan women’s rivalry, though still one-sided in results, continues to grow in intensity. Fans can expect more memorable contests in the years to come as women’s cricket gains global momentum.
