India thrash Pakistan by 88-run in ICC Women’s World Cup clash

India secured an 88-run victory against Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 group-stage clash at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. 

Pakistan women’s cricket team fell short in their pursuit of a 248-run target, being bowled out for 159 in 43 overs. 

After restricting India to 247 all out earlier in the day — the first time ever the Indian women’s team had been bowled out by Pakistan in an ODI — the Green Shirts were unable to reach the target. 

The Pakistani side struggled to form substantial partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to build momentum during the chase.

 

Opener Sidra Ameen stood tall amid the collapse, playing a gritty knock of 81 runs, which included several well-timed boundaries.

Natalia Pervaiz offered some resistance with 33 runs, while wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz contributed 14 runs, including one four.

However, apart from these three, no other batter could reach double figures, as two players were dismissed without scoring.

India’s bowling attack was spearheaded by Kranti Goad and Deepti Sharma, who both picked up three wickets each, effectively dismantling Pakistan’s batting lineup.

 Sneh Rana also chipped in with two wickets, ensuring Pakistan never got close to the target.

Earlier, Pakistan restricted Indian women to 247 for all in their 50 overs in the sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

It is worth mentioning that the Pakistan women’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone in this match, as they bowled out the Indian side for the first time ever in a One Day International (ODI).

Winning the toss at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana elected to field first — a decision that paid off handsomely.

The Indian team, despite several promising starts, was bundled out on the very last ball of the 50th over for 247 runs.

India’s innings was anchored by Harleen Deol, who top-scored with a solid 46 runs, while Pratika Rawal contributed a valuable 31 runs in the middle order.

 However, consistent breakthroughs from Pakistan’s bowlers prevented India from building a dominant total.

Leading the bowling attack, Diana Baig delivered a superb spell, claiming four wickets and dismantling India’s batting order with precision and pace.

She was well-supported by Sadia Iqbal and skipper Fatima Sana, who took two wickets each, maintaining relentless pressure throughout the innings.

The Pakistan team will now look to capitalize on their strong bowling performance when they begin their chase of 248 runs.

This sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 began with a tense moment as Pakistan Women won the toss and chose to bowl first against India Women, but what caught everyone’s attention was the noticeable lack of a handshake between the two captains, Fatima Sana and Harmanpreet Kaur.

With overcast skies hovering above the R Premadasa Stadium, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana said her decision was guided by the bit of moisture on the surface, giving early advantage to the seamers.

“The weather looks good, and there’s a bit of moisture in the pitch. We want to execute our plans better today. Anything under 250 should be a good chase,” said Fatima after the toss.

Pakistan made one change: Sadaf Shamas came in for Omaima Sohail. The focus, Fatima added, was on disciplined bowling from Diana Baig and herself to utilize the swinging conditions.

Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, meanwhile, remained upbeat despite the tension-filled start. She confirmed one enforced change, with Renuka Singh replacing Amanjot Kaur, who was unwell.

Playing XIs

India Women: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh

Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (capt), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal