Match Coverage: India vs Pakistan, Women’s World Cup 2025, Colombo

India-pakistan rivalry never ceases to provide drama, intensity, and passion, and their Women’s World Cup 2025 meeting at Colombo was anything but an exception. Under the floodlights at R. Premadasa Stadium, the two bitter rivals fought not only for points, but for pride and momentum in a high-stakes group-stage match. The sea of blue and green jerseys filled with fans cheered throughout as emotions see-sawed like a pendulum from one end to the other.

India won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a challenging total on a dry surface that promised turn later in the day. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma opened aggressively, finding gaps early against Pakistan’s pace duo of Diana Baig and Fatima Sana. Mandhana’s fluent drives and Shafali’s fearless lofts gave India a brisk start, but Pakistan struck back as Nashra Sandhu removed Shafali for 28, breaking the 56-run opening stand.

Jemimah Rodrigues joined Mandhana and anchored the innings with measured accuracy. Their stand flowered nicely on the back of rapid singles and astute risk-taking. Mandhana, who seemed to be in sublime form, had reached her half-century off 57 balls before being outsmarted by a swift arm ball from Nida Dar. Her fall sparked a middle-order slump — Harmanpreet Kaur was lost cheaply, and Richa Ghosh’s attempted sweep found short fine-leg.

At 145 for 5, India’s innings seemed to be losing direction until Deepti Sharma stepped up. Displaying her trademark composure, Deepti stitched a crucial 62-run stand with Rodrigues. Jemimah’s elegant 71 anchored the innings, while Deepti’s 42 off 49 balls provided the late push India desperately needed. Even with a couple of opportunities lost by Pakistan in the depths, India scored a fighting 248 for 8 in their 50 overs — a score that seemed defendable on a slow Colombo surface.

Pakistan’s pursuit started judiciously, as openers Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali prioritized survival against India’s new-ball duo of Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar. Rebuke’s control and swing maintained the scoring rate in check, and her patience was rewarded when she trapped Muneeba LBW for 17. Sidra attempted to steady the ship, but wickets continued to fall at frequent intervals as India’s spinners gained control.

Deepti Sharma, who had been impressive with the bat, turned the match in India’s favor with her off-spin. Her astute variations bamboozled Pakistan’s middle order — sending Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar packing in rapid succession. Pakistan was reduced to 132 for 6 from 98 for 2, with Aliya Riaz being the lone source of resistance.

Aliya struggled with a gritty 47, crossing boundaries through midwicket and extra cover, but the pressure mounting was too much. Left-arm spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad mopped up

the tail, wrapping up the game for India with a clinical 3 for 33 spell. Pakistan were bowled out eventually for 189 in 46.2 overs, giving India a 59-run win — their third win on the trot in the tournament.

The Indian camp was delirious with joy as the players hugged each other and celebrated yet another commanding win. Smriti Mandhana’s effortless fifty and Jemimah’s solid innings laid the platform, but Deepti Sharma was the real hero — contributing both with bat and ball to have a win for the ages. Her all-round excellence earned her the Player of the Match award.

For Pakistan, the defeat was a further reminder of thin margins in international cricket. Their bowlers began well but couldn’t maintain pressure in the death overs, and the batting department didn’t see much partnerships in the chase. Nevertheless, glimpses of promise from Aliya Riaz and Nashra Sandhu provided hope for their future matches.

With this win, India consolidated their spot in the top of Group B standings, giving a boost to their semifinal hopes. As the people of Colombo dispersed, one thing was certain — when India and Pakistan clash on a cricket field, it’s never simply a game. It’s about the tale of rivalry, perseverance, and unrelenting national pride.

Final Result: India defeated Pakistan by 59 runs

Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma (42 runs, 3 wickets)