When India and Pakistan face off in cricket, it's always more than just a game. But on Sunday, October 5th, in Colombo, the tension was palpable even before the first ball was bowled. All eyes were on the toss for the Women's World Cup 2025 fixture, not just for the cricket, but for a simple gesture: the handshake. And, as many expected, it didn't happen. Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her Pakistani counterpart, Fatima Sana, intentionally avoided the customary pleasantry, a clear signal that the strained political relationship between their countries has officially spilled onto the women's cricket pitch.
Key Highlights
- ✓ In a tense Women's World Cup 2025 match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan's Fatima Sana did not shake hands at the toss.
- ✓ The move follows a precedent set by the men's team during the recent Asia Cup, reflecting ongoing geopolitical friction between the two nations. Another important factor is
- ✓ India holds a dominant 11-0 unbeaten record against Pakistan in women's ODIs, making them heavy favorites.
- ✓ The match in Colombo was bizarrely paused for 15 minutes due to a "bugs attack," requiring staff to spray the ground with repellent.
- ✓ Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first in overcast conditions, with rain forecast for the day.
A Precedent of Protest
Let's be honest, this wasn't entirely a surprise. The decision for the women's team to adopt a no-handshake stance continues a precedent set by the Indian men's team during the highly contentious Asia Cup 2025. The BCCI had reportedly instructed its players to skip the pre-match ritual, and it seems that directive now applies across the board. Match officials were apparently so aware of the situation that they briefed both teams on match-day protocols separately to avoid any awkward on-field moments.
The backdrop to this is a series of escalating incidents. The friction intensified after the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 Indian lives, and India's subsequent ‘Operation Sindoor. ’ During the men's Asia Cup, things got even more heated. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, not only refused handshakes but also declined to receive their winners' trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who heads both the PCB and the Asian Cricket Council, in addition to being Pakistan's Interior Minister. This led to a bizarre 90-minute delay where the Indian players celebrated without the official trophy because Naqvi wouldn't delegate the presentation.
The Action Kicks Off in Colombo
With the political statement made, the focus shifted to the cricket itself at the R Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan's captain, Fatima Sana, won the toss and didn't hesitate to put India in to bat first, hoping to take advantage of the overcast conditions and potential moisture on the wicket. She noted that chasing anything under 250 would be a good target for her side. Both teams announced a change each: Pakistan brought in Sadaf Shamas for opener Omaima Sohail, while India had an "unfortunate" last-minute swap. Allrounder Amanjot Kaur was unwell, so fast bowler Renuka Singh took her place.
India, boasting an incredible 11-0 unbeaten ODI record against Pakistan, came out swinging. What's particularly interesting is Openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana gave their team a flying start, racing to 25/0 after just three overs. Research findings show that The highlight was a brilliant second over where Rawal smashed a hat-trick of fours off Diana Baig. It looked like India was on track for a massive total, but Pakistan's skipper had other plans.
The breakthrough came in the 9th over when Fatima Sana herself trapped a dangerous-looking Smriti Mandhana LBW for 23. Mandhana reviewed, but ball-tracking showed three reds, and she had to walk, taking one of India's reviews with her. This wicket slowed India's momentum, and soon after, the other opener, Pratika Rawal, was bowled by a beautiful slider from Sadia Iqbal for 31. Suddenly, India had lost both openers and were 67/2.
Mid-Innings Drama and a Bizarre Interruption
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol then tried to rebuild. Harmanpreet brought up India's 100 with a stunning four, but her innings was cut short at 19 when she edged one down the leg side to keeper Sidra Nawaz. At 106/3, India needed a partnership, and that's exactly what Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues provided. They put on a crucial 44-run stand for the fourth wicket, scoring at a good pace to get the innings back on track.
Then came one of the weirdest moments you'll see on a cricket field. The match was suddenly halted because of a "bugs attack. " A swarm of insects, likely brought out by the recent rains in Colombo, descended on the ground, distracting the players. The umpires called for a break, players left the field, and ground staff came out with bug repellent spray. It was a 15-minute delay that no one saw coming, with officials confirming that no overs would be lost.
The drama didn't stop there. Jemimah Rodrigues seemed to be living a charmed life. First, she was saved by a buzzer for a no-ball after being given out caught behind. A few overs later, a massive mix-up in running saw her stranded halfway down the pitch, but a desperate dive saved her just in time. The luck eventually ran out for her partners, though, as Harleen Deol fell for a well-made 46, and Rodrigues herself was out for 32, leaving India at 159/5.
Key Players and Conditions
While the top order had mixed results, India’s strength has often come from its depth, particularly the spinners who thrive in Sri Lankan conditions. Off-spinner Sneh Rana came into this match with a phenomenal record at this very venue: 15 wickets in just five matches. Her ability to control the middle overs is a massive asset for Harmanpreet Kaur. India's familiarity with Colombo, having played a tri-series here earlier in the year, gives them a distinct advantage.
For Pakistan, the pressure was immense. Their batting has been a major concern, having been bowled out for just 129 against Bangladesh in a previous game. A lot of hope rests on the shoulders of opener Sidra Amin, who has been their most reliable batter in 2025. However, her record in Sri Lanka is worrying, and her first-ball duck against Bangladesh didn't inspire confidence. At just 23, captain Fatima Sana has the tough job of leading a young side against a formidable opponent in a high-pressure environment. Her composure will be tested to the fullest.
Conclusion
In the end, the India-Pakistan clash at the Women's World Cup 2025 started exactly as anticipated—with a quiet, powerful statement that resonated far beyond the boundaries of the cricket field. It's important to highlight The deliberate absence of a handshake served as a stark reminder that some rivalries are shaped by forces much larger than sport. While India's on-field dominance and historical record speak for themselves, the day was marked by political undertones, a determined Pakistani bowling effort, crucial Indian partnerships, and a truly bizarre interruption from a swarm of bugs. It's a perfect example of how an India-Pakistan match is never, ever just about the cricket.
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