Whenever India and Pakistan face off on a cricket field, you can feel the electricity in the air, and today’s clash in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 is no different. We’re coming to you live from the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where the stage is set for a classic rivalry. Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, won the toss and put India in to bat first, a decision that has already led to some dramatic twists and turns.
Key Highlights
- ✓ In the Women's World Cup 2025 match, Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl against India in Colombo.
- ✓ India's innings was steadied by a crucial 45-run partnership between Harleen Deol (46) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32).
- ✓ India holds a staggering 11-0 winning record against Pakistan in Women's ODIs over the last 20 years.
- ✓ Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, confidently stated before the match that "records are made to be broken."
- ✓ Noticeable tension was present as captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana did not shake hands after the toss.
The Battle Unfolds in Colombo
The Indian innings got off to a decent, if not explosive, start. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratiksha Rawal looked solid, building a promising 48-run partnership for the first wicket. They were laying a good foundation, but just as they seemed set, the momentum shifted. Mandhana was the first to go, departing for 23 runs, a victim of the Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana herself.
Not long after, Pratiksha Rawal, who had played a steady hand for her 31 runs, also lost her wicket. With both openers back in the pavilion, the pressure mounted on the middle order. The big-hitting Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, came to the crease, but unfortunately, her stay was short-lived. She was dismissed for a personal score of just 19, leaving India in a slightly precarious position at 106 for 3.
Harleen and Jemimah Steer the Ship
Just when it felt like Pakistan was taking control, a crucial partnership began to brew. Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues took charge of the recovery mission. They played with a mix of caution and aggression, understanding exactly what the situation demanded. Together, they stitched together a vital 45-run stand for the fourth wicket, pulling India out of a tough spot.
Harleen was particularly impressive, scoring a well-made 46 from 65 balls, an innings that included four boundaries and a six. Jemimah provided excellent support, scoring a brisk 32 off just 37 deliveries, finding the boundary five times. Their partnership was the backbone of the middle part of the innings, but just as they were looking to accelerate, Pakistan’s bowlers struck again, dismissing both in quick succession. As it stands after 44 overs, India is at 197 for the loss of 5 wickets, with Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana at the crease trying to provide a strong finish.
A Rivalry Steeped in History and Drama
Let's talk about the history here because it's impossible to ignore. Going into this match, the Indian Women's team has an absolutely dominant record against Pakistan in ODIs. Over the last two decades, they've played 11 matches and won all 11. That’s right, a perfect 11-0 head-to-head record. This 12th encounter is a chance for India to continue that incredible streak or for Pakistan to finally break the jinx.
But this match isn't just about the on-field action. The backdrop of political tension between the two nations seems to have spilled over. In a moment that caught everyone's attention, the two captains, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana, did not shake hands after the toss. Harmanpreet simply spoke to the reporter and walked away. This echoes a similar incident from the men's Asia Cup, where the Indian and Pakistani captains also refrained from the customary handshake, and the Indian team even refused to accept a trophy from the PCB chief.
Pakistan's Captain: "Records Are Made to Be Broken"
Despite the daunting historical record, Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana is anything but intimidated. Speaking before the match, she was calm, composed, and full of belief. "First of all, whatever records exist between India and Pakistan, they are made to be broken," she said, setting a defiant tone. "It's not that Pakistan can never beat India."
She emphasized that her team is focused on playing good cricket on the day rather than getting bogged down by past results. Sana also acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan game, noting that the whole world watches. The key, she said, is handling that pressure and executing their plans. "If Pakistan plays well, we have the ability to beat any big team," she added, showing immense faith in her squad.
Sana also touched on the spirit of sportsmanship, recalling the heartwarming moments from the 2022 World Cup when Indian players were seen interacting with former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof's baby. While she cherished those moments, she made it clear that right now, the team's "entire focus is on the game."
Team Lineups and Tactical Changes
Both teams came into this high-stakes match with one change each to their playing eleven. For India, fast bowler Renuka Singh Thakur was brought in to replace Amanjot Kaur, likely to bolster the pace attack. Pakistan also made a switch, with Sadaf Shamas getting a spot in the lineup in place of Omaima Sohail.
Here’s a look at the full playing XIs for this encounter:
India's Playing XI: Pratiksha Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (Wicketkeeper), Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kriti Gaud, Nallapureddy Charan.
Pakistan's Playing XI: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Ameen, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (Wicketkeeper), Fatima Sana (Captain), Najiha Alvi, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, and Sadia Iqbal.
Conclusion
So, here we are, deep into a fascinating India vs Pakistan contest. The Indian innings has been a rollercoaster, saved by a resilient middle-order partnership after a few early setbacks. With the scoreboard ticking and wickets in hand at a premium, the final few overs will be absolutely crucial for setting a challenging target.
Against the backdrop of a lopsided historical record and visible off-field tensions, this match has all the ingredients of a classic World Cup thriller. Pakistan will be looking to capitalize on their disciplined bowling performance and chase down the total, while India will be aiming to post a score that their bowlers can defend to maintain their perfect record. It's all set for a nail-biting finish here in Colombo.
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