India Maintain Supremacy: Hard-Fought Win Over Pakistan in Women’s World Cup 2025
India continued its dominance over Pakistan in the cricket arena as they secured a thrilling 20-run win in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 group-stage clash at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side displayed grit and composure to defend a modest total against a spirited Pakistani chase, further extending their unbeaten record in women's ODI World Cups against their arch-rivals.
India’s innings got off to a cautious start after being put in to bat by Pakistan, who won the toss and opted to field. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal laid a steady platform. Mandhana, holding the key for India’s start, contributed a composed knock, anchoring the early overs. However, Pakistan’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu and captain Fatima Sana, applied the brakes with quick wickets in the middle overs. The Indian middle order faltered just as it did in their previous match, but once again found resilience through Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur. Together, they stitched a vital partnership that rescued India from a precarious position and pushed the score to 247 before being bowled out in the final over.
Deepti Sharma’s steady presence and ability to rotate the strike, supported by some aggressive shots from Amanjot, kept India in the contest. Despite a late collapse triggered by Pakistan’s seamers, especially Diana Baig, India managed to set a competitive total on a pitch offering grip and bounce.
In response, Pakistan’s chase started with promise as openers Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas found early boundaries, taking advantage of powerplay restrictions. However, a tight spell from Renuka Singh Thakur and the persistent accuracy of Kranti Gaud soon had Pakistan reeling at 26 for 3. The collapse brought experienced hands like Sidra Amin and captain Fatima Sana together, and the duo steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Sidra played the anchor role, rotating strike well and finding gaps, while Fatima was proactive from the outset.
A see-saw battle unfolded through the middle overs, with every boundary met by a sharp fielding effort from India, who were lauded before the match for their improved fitness and catching standards. As the pressure mounted in the final ten overs, with Pakistan needing less than a run a ball, Deepti Sharma returned for a decisive spell, breaking the threatening partnership by dismissing Fatima with a sharply turning delivery.
From there, India’s experience in handling high-pressure situations came to the fore. Harmanpreet Kaur’s calm captaincy and some smart field placements limited the Pakistani batters’ scoring opportunities. Chasing 248 for a historic first-ever World Cup win over India, Pakistan eventually succumbed to the mounting scoreboard pressure, losing wickets in the final stretch, and being bowled out for 227.
The match was not without off-field intrigue, as anticipation around the ceremonial handshake in light of recent tensions added to the drama. Ultimately, cricket took centre stage in Colombo, with the Indian women scripting yet another memorable victory over their sub continental rivals.
