India Remain Unbeaten Against Pakistan as World Cup 2025 Hits High Gear
The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in Colombo delivered another chapter in one of cricket’s oldest rivalries, with India stamping their authority over Pakistan in an 88-run victory at the R Premadasa Stadium. India’s win solidifies their dominance in the ODI series against their arch-rivals, bringing their perfect record to 12-0 in 12 matches across all formats where the two teams have met in this format.
What happened on the day
Put in to bat, India posted 247 all out, a total that reflected a mixture of early setbacks and a late flurry. The top order faltered as Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal fell before the first 15 overs, leaving India 67/2. Harmanpreet Kaur’s early departure deepened the middle-overs pressure, leaving the innings in a delicate balance at 106/3 in the 25th over.
Yet India found resilience in the lower middle order, with Richa Ghosh delivering a quickfire 35 from just 20 balls. The 20-ball cameo helped lift the total beyond the 240-mark, giving the bowlers something to defend. Harleen Deol provided a composed 46 off 65, anchoring the chase after the early jitters.
For Pakistan, Diana Baig and Fatima Sana bowled with control in overcast conditions, keeping India in check through the bulk of the innings. Pakistan’s fielding dialed up pressure at key moments, but the batters couldn’t convert starts into substantial scores. Kranti Goud emerged as the standout with a three-wicket haul, her spell helping tilt the game India’s way in the late middle overs.
Bowling brilliance and strategic tweaks
India’s bowlers stitched a disciplined performance to defend 248. Deepti Sharma led the way with 3/45, providing crucial strikes at vital junctures, while Sneh Rana chipped in with 2/38. Kranti Goud’s three-for in 10 overs was the most economical and effective spell, breaking Pakistan’s rhythm and keeping the chase under constant pressure. The pace and accuracy of the Indian attack, combined with tight fielding, ensured Pakistan’s chase never gained real momentum.
Pakistan’s innings finished for 159 in 43 overs, marking another performance where India’s pace and spin mix exploited soft dismissals and periodic pressure. Natalia Pervaiz offered a late resistance with 33, but a balanced Indian attack ensured no consistent partnerships took hold.
Key performances and talking points
On the Indian side, Harleen Deol’s 46 played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings after the early wobble, while Richa Ghosh’s late assault added vital runs that stretched the total. The bowlers, led by Kranti Goud, kept the Pakistani chase in check and delivered the breakthrough moments needed to secure the win.
Sidra Amin’s 81 off 106 for Pakistan stood out as a lone bright spark in a challenging chase, with Natalia Pervaiz contributing a steady 33. The rest of the batting line-up struggled to build partnerships, underscoring India’s blue‑chip performance with both bat and ball.
Implications for the World Cup standings
With the win, India moved to the top of the World Cup 2025 standings, collecting four points from two matches after an opening victory over Sri Lanka. The result strengthens India’s title credentials and adds to their confidence as they prepare for their next assignment, a clash with South Africa in Visakhapatnam.
What’s next for both teams
India now eyes a potentially decisive phase of the group stage, aiming to maintain momentum as the schedule tightens. South Africa presents a formidable challenge, and India will hope to replicate the balance shown in Colombo. Pakistan, disappointed by the outcome, will look to rebound quickly with a more cohesive batting display and disciplined bowling as they continue their World Cup campaign.
Overall, the Colombo match reaffirmed why this India-Pakistan rivalry remains a highlight of the Women’s ODI World Cup, with India once again stamping their authority and extending their unbeaten streak in this format.
