Colombo: India produced a performance to remember, crushing Pakistan by 88 runs in the sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R Premadasa Stadium, and extending their unbeaten ODI record against their arch-rivals.
From the outset, it was a game where India's skill, composure, and cricketing intelligence shone through, and the defining moments came right at the end, where the match truly swung in India's favour.
Batting first, India posted a competitive 247 in 50 overs, built on a foundation of smart partnerships and timely aggression. Harleen Deol led the way with a solid 46, mixing calculated shots with crisp placement. Richa Ghosh provided the late flourish with an unbeaten 35, including two towering sixes that reminded everyone of her destructive potential in the middle overs.
Jemimah Rodrigues played a measured 32, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries, while Deepti Sharma (25) and Smriti Mandhana (23) contributed vital runs to ensure India posted a target that would prove too steep for Pakistan. There was also a quirky 15-minute stoppage when insects invaded the field, but the Indian batswomen hardly lost focus, showing the composure that sets champions apart.
Pakistan’s reply had flashes of promise but ultimately fell apart under relentless Indian pressure. Sidra Amin’s 81 was a standout effort, and her lofted six off Sneh Rana was historic, the first six Pakistan has ever hit against India in ODIs. But cricket, as they say, is not about individual moments; it’s about execution under pressure. And India’s execution in the death overs was simply impeccable.
The turning point came in the 42nd over when Diana Baig, struggling to keep the run chase alive, was run out in a direct hit from Harmanpreet Kaur. That one piece of fielding brilliance encapsulated India’s dominance: sharp, alert, and perfectly timed.
Pakistan’s lower order never recovered, and the tension peaked on the final delivery of the innings when Deepti Sharma delivered the finishing blow. Tossed up full outside off, Sadia Iqbal charged down the pitch but was caught by Smriti Mandhana. The wicket not only ended the innings but sealed India’s comprehensive victory, highlighting a team that is clinical with both ball and bat and sharp in the field.
Earlier, Deepti Sharma and Kranti Gaud had done the bulk of the damage, running through the middle and lower order with precision. Sneh Rana contributed with crucial wickets at key moments, and the Indian fielders were outstanding, cutting off singles and effecting run-outs that left Pakistan’s chase in tatters.
Run-outs, miscues, and a lack of support for Sidra Amin meant Pakistan could never build partnerships, and India’s dominance was absolute.
Even the toss had its drama. Harmanpreet Kaur’s call was misheard, gifting Pakistan the opportunity to field, but India’s composure never wavered. From patient batting to attacking shots, from clever bowling changes to worldclass fielding, India dominated all facets of the game.
This was smart, clinical cricket from start to finish, a performance that combined skill, strategy, and nerves of steel. The message to the rest of the tournament is clear: India Women are not just winning, they are controlling the narrative of every match they play.
Brief score:
India Women 247 all out (50 overs): Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Pakistan Women 159 all out (43 overs): Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Pervaiz 33; Bowling – Deepti Sharma 3-45, Kranti Gaud 3-20, Sneh Rana 2-38; India Women won by 88 runs.
