In the sixth match of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
After put into bat by Pakistan, India’s innings was constructed on solid partnerships, despite the fact that no single batter scored a half-century. Both openers, Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (31), got solid and composed start, striking the ball with timing and in the gaps perfectly. Adter losing Smriti, Harleen Deol (46) kept the innings going with disciplined strokeplay. Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32) made brief but significant contributions, while Deepti Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) provided depth in the middle order. The team lost wickets frequently but managed to maintain the scoreboard ticking. In the end, Richa Ghosh’s (35*) quickfire knock gave late-inning impetus. With a strike rate of 175, the only batter to cross the three-figure mark, she hammered three fours and two sixes. Despite being bowled out in the final over, the score of 247 was formidable, especially on a pitch that favoured spinners.
Pakistan’s chase got off to a rough start, with Muneeba Ali being out early. The top order crumbled under pressure, with Aliya Riaz and Sadaf Shamas walking away cheaply. Only Sidra Amin, Pakistan’s lone warrior, demonstrated resilience by scoring 81 off 69 balls with nine boundaries. Natalia Pervaiz (33) offered some consistency in the middle overs, but the run-rate steadily increased. Following her departure, the lower order showed no resistance. Sidra Nawaz (14) scored a few runs but was unable to convert them into anything significant, and the innings collapsed shortly when Sidra Amin was dismissed in the 40th over.
India’s bowlers were clinical and unrelenting. Deepti excelled out, taking three wickets and conceding only 30 runs. Kranti Gaud again shone tonight, claiming three wickets, precipitating the middle-order collapse. Sneh Rana bowled economically, taking two wickets, while Renuka Singh and Shree Charani applied pressure with precise lines.
Pakistan’s bowlers had mixed results. Diana Baig was the highlight of the bowlers, taking four wickets and delivering critical blows against Harmanpreet, Deepti, and Renuka. Fatima Sana provided valuable support with two wickets, while Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu each took one.
India notched up their second consecutive win tonight, but they’ll need to sharpen their game further if they aim to go the distance.
Scorecard:
India: 247/10, Overs 50, Harleen Deol 46, Diana Baig 4/69
Pakistan: 159/10, Overs 43, Sidra Amin 81, Kranti Gaud 3/20
