In a surprising turn of events, the Women’s One‑Day International World Cup match between India and Pakistan at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium was paused after a sudden bug invasion forced ground staff onto the field.
The rain that has been falling in Colombo for days has spawned a swarm of insects across the outfield. Players from both sides complained of buzzing insects and the distraction it caused. After 34 overs, the match officials announced a temporary halt so that the ground could be cleared. Officials said the 15‑minute break would be made up by shortening the interval, so no overs would be lost and the match would finish on time.
India were 154‑for‑4 when play stopped, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma unbeaten on 28 and 2 respectively. India had gone in first after the target was set by Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana Khan. The opening batters started strongly: Smriti Mandhana sent off Sadia Iqbal for a four, and Pratika Rawal produced three boundaries off Diana Baig. Mandhana added a crisp square drive and a quick cut to finish with a total of six runs.
Pakistan quickly answered. Fatima Sana tok out Mandhana with a slow‑bender, and Harleen Deol began to steady the Pakistan side by cutting a late ball from Rameen Shamim for four before a soaring six over long‑on. Iran Shrikh told them to get the scoring rate up. Later, Pratika hit a nasty back‑of‑the‑length ball from Sadia that swung in but was ultimately left short of the bat.
The batting battle intensified as both teams fought for momentum. Harmonpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol smashed boundaries, but Pakistan’s bowlers held tight, keeping runs at bay. Diana Baig mercy pick where she hit Harmanpreet Kaur behind the wicket. But final play revealed that she had over‑stepped the crease, giving a reprieve for the batter and prompting a fine‑tune on the Pakistan line of attack.
Jemimah Rodrigues kept the scoreboard competitive with pulls, sweeps, and late cuts. She narrowly escaped a run‑out near the boundary, showing her resilience even after a scary loss. Harleen Deol finished with a composed 46, but a looming threat remained for Pakistan as Jemimah and Richa Ghosh continue to shoulder the innings for India.
Quick score recap:
– India: 154‑4 in 34 overs (Harleen Deol 46; Rameen Shamim 1‑21)
– Pakistan: 0‑off‑?
The match will resume shortly after ground staff fully clear the cricket pitch of bugs. Cricket fans on both sides will be watching to see if India can chase the target or if Pakistan’s disciplined bowling will keep them under pressure.
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