India’s women’s cricket team took on Pakistan on Sunday in a 2025 Women’s World Cup group‑stage game at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. India chose Renuka Singh Thakur, the fast‑bowling spearhead, after the Pakistani captain, Fatima Sana Khan, won the toss and opted to bowl first.
India returned to the crease after a convincing 59‑run win over Sri Lanka in their opening match in Guwahati. A victory against Pakistan would boost India’s net‑run‑rate and give the hosts extra confidence before tougher league‑stage games.
India has a perfect 11‑0 record against Pakistan in women’s ODI history and last beat the Pakistani side by 107 runs in the 2022 World Cup. Renuka replaced Amanjot Kaur, whom the Indian captain said was unwell. “Amanjot not playing is an unfortunate change, but we’ve gelled well as a team and are looking forward to today’s contest,” Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian captain, said.
The Pakistani XI also had a change: Sadaf Shamas, who is taking over from Omaima Sohail, was added after the early wicket‑keeper replacement. “We’re confident and hope to play better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase,” Fatima Sana Khan said as the players lined up.
The two captains did not shake hands at the toss, a moment that echoed how Harmanpreet and Fatima behaved in a recent men’s T20 Asia Cup encounter.
Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana Khan (c), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadaf Shamas
With India eager to lift their World Cup campaign and Pakistan looking to climb the standings, fans watched the match unfold in an atmosphere charged with anticipation and rivalry.
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