The match at R Premadasa Stadium went off without a hitch after a rain scare that had stopped the Australia‑Sri Lanka game earlier. India faced Pakistan in the 2025 Women’s World Cup and won comfortably by 88 runs, cementing their lead on the points table.
India batted first and chased a target of 247. They built a solid start, with Harleen Deol scoring 46 and Richa Ghosh finishing on 35 not out. Pakistan’s bowlers, headed by Diana Baig (4‑69) and Fatima Sana Khan (2‑38), however, kept the scoreboard ticking slowly. The pitch didn’t give much help, and India finished with 247 in 50 overs, making the chase look increasingly difficult for Pakistan.
Pakistan’s bowlers (Kranti Gaud 3‑20 and Deepti Sharma 3‑45) were relentless, restricting India to 247. Kranti’s line‑and‑length bowling, supported by Renuka Singh Thakur, made it hard for Pakistan’s top order to settle. As a result, the Pakistani chase fell behind the required run rate inside the first 15 overs—a gap they struggled to close.
Pakistan’s Sidra Amin fought back with an impressive 81 off 106 balls, hitting 12 fours and 4 sixes. She reached her fifty in just 82 deliveries and was dismissed after four: a direct‑hit run‑out by Deepti, a caught‑and‑bowled by Kranti, and a lowward drop by the remaining bowlers. The other Pakistani wickets fell at the hands of Zimbabwe coach’s bowlers: Natalia Pervaiz (33) and Sadaf Shamas (2) were out for low scores, while Muneeba Ali’s dismissal came after a controversial not‑out. Fatima Sana Khan, Sidra Nawaz, and Rameen Shamim were all brought out quickly.
India’s bowlers kept pressure on Pakistan. Setelah Richa Ghosh’s missed catches and three LWB chances, the game seemed to move in India’s favour, but Pakistan’s batters showed resilience in the middle overs. The Pakistani batters found it difficult to adjust to the swing and seam movement, resulting in several temporary wickets, although the India bowlers were able to defend the total.
India’s batting in waveform had been shaky in earlier World Cup matches, but this time they kept a steady rhythm. Even after a slow first 30 overs, the top order added critical runs in the last four overs. Pratika Rawal launched a few boundary‑hit drives down the leg side, helping India build the 247 required score.
Overall, the game saw 173 dot balls (India) and a pinpoint bowling performance from the Indian side. Their 12th win over Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup has moved them to the top of the standings.
Key moments:
– Kranti Gaud took 3‑20; Deepti Sharma added 3‑45.
– Sidra Amin’s 81 was the highlight for Pakistan.
– Richa Ghosh finished 35 not out; Harleen Deol scored 46.
Final score: India 247/7 in 50 overs; Pakistan 159/7 in 43 overs – India wins by 88 runs.
Source: ianslive
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