Mumbai: In a display of clinical dominance, the Indian women’s cricket team notched their second consecutive victory in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, thrashing arch-rivals Pakistan by 88 runs at the R Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo.
Batting first, India posted a challenging 247 all out in 50 overs, powered by steady contributions and a late flourish, before their bowlers dismantled Pakistan for a paltry 159 in 43 overs.
Harleen Deol anchored the innings with a gritty 46, the highest score, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues chipped in with vital runs. The real fireworks came from Richa Ghosh, who bludgeoned 36 off just 20 balls in the death overs, injecting momentum.
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Diana Baig shone with a four-wicket haul, but it wasn’t enough to stem the tide.
Chasing 248, Pakistan crumbled under pressure. Opener Muneeba Ali fell early to a sharp run-out by Deepti Sharma, setting a shaky tone at 6/1 after four overs. Young pacer Kranti Gaud struck twice, snaring opener Sadaf Shamas and Alia Riaz, while Deepti claimed key scalps, including captain Fatima Sana, for 2. A brief 69-run stand between Sidra Ameen and Natalia Pervez offered hope, but Ameen’s resolute 81 off 82 balls — her 13th ODI fifty — proved a lone hand. Direct hits and sharp fielding, including a pinpoint throw from Harmanpreet to run out Sadiya Iqbal, sealed the collapse. Deepti (3/36) and Gaud (3/32) starred with the ball.
This triumph extends India’s flawless 11-0 ODI record against Pakistan and a perfect 5-0 World Cup ledger, echoing their 107-run rout in 2022.
With two victories in a row, India is poised for semi-final contention, while Pakistan, still without a win, faces a formidable challenge. Rain threats loomed early, but clear skies favoured the high-stakes Indo-Pak saga — no handshakes post-match, mirroring recent tensions.
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