Every match between India and Pakistan is special, whether it's the men's team or the women's team. This time, in women's cricket, India once again proved its dominance.
Sports News: The Indian women's cricket team made history by defeating Pakistan by 88 runs in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup! In this thrilling encounter played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Harleen Deol's brilliant innings and Richa Ghosh's explosive batting propelled India to a total of 247 runs. In response, the Pakistan team was bowled out for 159 runs. With this victory, India has extended its World Cup record against Pakistan to 12-0.
India's Innings: A Blend of Restraint and Aggression
Batting first on the slow and challenging pitch of the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, India scored 247 runs in 50 overs. Although the team faced early setbacks, the middle order stabilized the innings and eventually strengthened the score with brisk batting. Indian openers Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (31) provided a steady start. Pratika found an excellent rhythm, hitting three consecutive fours off Diana Baig, but was soon bowled playing a cut shot. Mandhana also got out in the powerplay due to an inside edge.
The batting responsibility then fell to Harleen Deol and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. The duo forged a 39-run partnership, but Harmanpreet was dismissed after scoring 19 runs. Following this, Harleen added 45 runs with Jemimah Rodrigues (32), bringing stability to the innings. Harleen played a composed innings of 46 runs off 65 balls, holding one end.
In the middle order, Deepti Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) put together a crucial 42-run partnership. Just when it seemed India would be restricted to around 220, Richa Ghosh arrived at the crease and turned the tide of the match. She smashed 35 runs off just 20 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Thanks to her explosive innings, India reached 247 — which proved to be a competitive score on this pitch.
Pakistan's Innings: Team Crumbles Against Indian Bowlers
Chasing a target of 248 runs, the Pakistan team was under pressure right from the start. Indian bowlers delivered an excellent performance with precise line and length. In the very first over, Renuka Singh Thakur tightened her grip on the Pakistani batters. After four overs, Pakistan's score was just six runs. Meanwhile, opener Muneeba Ali was run out — a decision that sparked some debate, but TV replays confirmed the umpire's call was correct. Following this, Kranti Gaur rattled Pakistan's innings. She took three crucial wickets in quick succession: Sadaf Shams (7), Aliya Riaz (2), and Natalia Parvez (33). Her splendid spell broke the back of Pakistan's batting.
In the middle overs, Deepti Sharma showcased her spin wizardry, dismissing Pakistani captain Sana Mir and putting the match firmly in India's grasp. Finally, Sneh Rana and Deepti together wrapped up the remaining wickets. The entire Pakistan team was bowled out for 159 runs in 43 overs.
