India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025
Gaud’s Deadly Bowling Powers India to 88-Run Win Over Pakistan in India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025
Colombo witnessed another classic India vs Pakistan clash as Kranti Gaud’s outstanding bowling and Harleen Deol’s steady batting took India to a dominant win in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
India Registers Their 12th Consecutive ODI Win Over Pakistan
India vs Pakistan matches have always been a match to watch, and this time it was filled with confusion and controversies. India extended their unbeaten ODI streak against Pakistan to 12 matches, securing a comfortable 88-run win in Colombo. Batting first on a sluggish surface, India posted 247 runs. The total proved more than enough as Gaud’s fiery spell dismantled Pakistan’s top order, and spinners wrapped things up.
Toss Confusion Sets the Tone
It was a match #6 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 and it was India vs Pakistan, and there was a bit of drama at the toss. Pakistan opted to bowl first, but handshakes were skipped, and the decision took a moment to be confirmed. On a slow Colombo pitch, a score near 250 was expected to be challenging. India batted first with clear intent.
India’s Innings: Harleen Stays Calm, Richa Finishes Strong
Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana gave India a brisk start. Rawal smashed three boundaries in an over off Diana Baig. Mandhana slowed down after a while and fell for 23 runs. Rawal followed for 31 as Pakistan tightened up in the middle overs.
Harleen and Jemimah Steady the Ship
Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur added 39 runs for the third wicket. Harmanpreet departed for 19, and Jemimah Rodrigues was handed a lifeline when Baig overstepped after getting her edge. Jemimah took advantage of the free hit and boosted the scoring rate.
Pest Break Halts Play
In an unusual moment, play stopped due to a pest issue on the field. Players briefly left as the ground was sprayed before resuming.
Richa Ghosh’s Late Fireworks
Harleen was dismissed for 46 just when she was set for a fifty. India’s run rate dipped but Richa Ghosh, batting at No. 8 for the first time, played a stunning cameo. She smashed sixes and fours in the last few overs, taking India to a competitive 247.
Pakistan’s Innings: Gaud and Thakur Apply the Pressure
Pakistan’s chase never really got going. Only six runs came in the first four overs. Renuka Thakur and Kranti Gaud bowled tight lines, making scoring difficult.
The first wicket came via a run-out when Muneeba Ali lifted her bat too early. Gaud then struck twice — first removing Sadaf Shamas with a return catch and then dismissing Aliya Riaz at second slip.
After 10 overs, Pakistan were just 25/3. Gaud and Thakur bowled 15 overs upfront, conceding only 30 runs — a superb display of disciplined bowling.
Sidra Amin Fights Alone
Sidra Amin stood tall amid the collapse. She reached her fifty in 82 balls and went on to score 81 runs. She played some classy strokes, including a powerful six, and tried to build a partnership with Natalia Pervaiz.
Gaud returned to break that stand by having Pervaiz caught at the backward point. Fatima Sana struggled for 15 balls before falling cheaply to Deepti Sharma. Amin tried to keep the fight alive, but her scoop attempt ended up in the hands of Sneh Rana at square leg. That wicket sealed the result.
India’s Bowling Unit Shines Bright
Kranti Gaud was the star of the attack. She bowled her full quota of overs, taking 3 wickets for just 20 runs. Renuka Thakur didn’t pick up wickets but maintained relentless pressure.
Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma chipped in with crucial middle-over wickets to finish the job. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 159 in 46.1 overs.
Match Heroes
- Kranti Gaud – 3/20; broke Pakistan’s top order.
- Harleen Deol – 46 runs; stabilised the innings.
- Richa Ghosh – explosive finish that lifted India’s total.
- Indian Bowling Attack – disciplined and relentless throughout.
Key Takeaways
- India continues their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ODIs.
- Kranti Gaud’s disciplined bowling was the difference-maker.
- Sidra Amin’s knock was a lone bright spot for Pakistan.
- India’s batting depth and bowling control set them apart.
