Goud and Sharma shine in Colombo as India secures a commanding victory over Pakistan, marking their second win in the tournament.
In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India triumphed over Pakistan by 88 runs, solidifying their position at the top of the points table with four points. The match, held in Colombo, showcased the prowess of the Indian bowling attack, particularly the young seam bowler Kranti Goud, who played a pivotal role in dismantling the Pakistani batting lineup.
India, batting first, managed to post a total of 247 runs, albeit with a dramatic finish as they were bowled out on the last ball of their innings. The conditions in Colombo, which had been dampened by recent rain, proved to be challenging for both teams, with the pitch exhibiting bowler-friendly characteristics.
Bowling Dominance
Goud’s exceptional performance saw her claim three wickets for just 20 runs in her 10 overs, putting immediate pressure on the Pakistani batsmen. The Indian bowlers exploited the conditions effectively, leading to a swift collapse of the Pakistani batting order. This match marked the 12th consecutive victory for India over Pakistan in One Day Internationals (ODIs), a statistic that underscores India’s dominance in this rivalry.
The match drew heightened attention due to the ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan, which have historically influenced their sporting encounters. The absence of handshakes at the toss and the end of the match mirrored the strained relations between the two nations, reminiscent of the atmosphere during the recent Asia Cup fixtures.
India’s Innings: A Struggle for Runs
Winning the toss, Pakistan opted to field first, a decision that initially seemed promising. However, India’s innings was characterized by a slow accumulation of runs, as they struggled to find rhythm against a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack. Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored 32 runs, noted that the ball was “stopping” on the surface, complicating batting efforts.
India’s innings began with a cautious partnership between Pratika Rawal (23) and Smriti Mandhana (31), who added 48 runs before Rawal was dismissed. Harleen Deol anchored the innings with a solid 45 runs but fell victim to a catch at long-on, a moment that shifted the momentum back to Pakistan. Despite the challenges, Richa Ghosh’s explosive unbeaten 35 off 20 balls provided a late surge, although it raised questions about her batting position in the lineup.
Pakistan’s Diana Baig emerged as the standout bowler for her team, claiming four wickets for 69 runs, although her economy rate reflected the pressure exerted by the Indian batsmen. The innings was further delayed by a fumigation process to combat an influx of flies, a peculiar interruption that added to the day’s challenges.
Pakistan’s Response: A Disappointing Collapse
Pakistan’s response to India’s total got off to a disastrous start, as they found themselves reeling at 26 for 3 within the first 12 overs. The Indian seamers, particularly Renuka Singh Thakur and Goud, exploited the conditions to devastating effect. Thakur, despite not taking a wicket, created numerous opportunities that were unfortunately not capitalized on due to dropped catches and missed lbw reviews.
As the innings progressed, Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz attempted to stabilize the innings with a partnership of 69 runs for the fourth wicket. However, the slow start proved detrimental, and the fall of Amin’s wicket in the 40th over marked the beginning of the end for Pakistan, who were bowled out within three overs thereafter.
Reflections on the Match
Pakistan’s captain, Sana, expressed disappointment over missed opportunities, emphasizing that her team could have restricted India to a lower total. “In the start of the powerplay, we gave away a lot of runs,” she lamented, highlighting the need for improved fielding and decision-making in crucial moments.
Conversely, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her bowlers for their outstanding performance. “Kranti [Goud] was outstanding,” she remarked, acknowledging the contributions of her spinners in securing vital breakthroughs. Kaur’s comments reflect a growing confidence in her team as they prepare for their upcoming matches.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, India will return home to continue their group matches, facing South Africa on Thursday. Meanwhile, Pakistan will remain in Colombo, gearing up for a challenging encounter against the defending champions, Australia, on Wednesday. Both teams are still in search of their first ICC ODI or T20 World Cup title, adding an extra layer of significance to their upcoming fixtures.
Conclusion
India’s emphatic win over Pakistan not only reinforces their dominance in women’s cricket but also sets the stage for an exciting tournament ahead. As both teams navigate the complexities of competition amidst political tensions, the focus remains on the sport itself, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapters in this storied rivalry.
