Colombo, October 5, 2025: Pakistan’s bowlers produced a disciplined and determined performance to restrict India to 247 all out in 50 overs in their high-stakes ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, India made a brisk start through openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, who added early momentum with a steady stand that put pressure on Pakistan’s new-ball attack.
The breakthrough came when Pakistan captain Fatima Sana removed Mandhana for 23 off 32 balls (4 fours), breaking the opening partnership at 48-1 in the ninth over. Spinner Sadia Iqbal soon struck, bowling Rawal for 31 off 37, leaving India at 67-2.
India’s middle order, led by Harleen Deol and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, attempted to rebuild, but Diana Baig dismissed Kaur for 19 off 34, triggering another setback at 106-4 in the 25th over.
Deol looked composed as she approached her half-century, but fell just short on 46 off 65 balls (4 fours, 1 six) as Pakistan continued to apply pressure. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed a useful 32 off 37 before being trapped LBW by Nashra Sandhu, reducing India to 159-5 by the 35th over.
All-rounders Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana then added a crucial 42-run stand, guiding India past the 200 mark. However, Rana’s dismissal for 20 off 33 balls to Fatima Sana in the 45th over opened the door for Pakistan’s late surge.
In the closing stages, Richa Ghosh played a fiery unbeaten knock of 39 off 20 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, to lift India to a competitive total. She found little support, though, as Kranti Goud (8) and Renuka Singh (0) fell quickly, with India bowled out for 247 in the final over.
For Pakistan, Diana Baig led the attack with an impressive 4 for 69, while Fatima Sana and Sadia Iqbal chipped in with two wickets each. Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu claimed one apiece in a well-rounded bowling effort.
Pakistan will need 248 runs to win and secure a crucial victory in their World Cup campaign.
