When India and Pakistan meet in an ODI World Cup, there’s usually one predictable outcome — an Indian victory. The women’s rivalry, while fierce in spirit, has been one-sided in numbers. Pakistan have never beaten India in 11 ODIs, and they’ve rarely come close. Each time, India have won by at least 80 runs or five wickets.
But beyond the statistics, their previous World Cup meeting offered something far more human than the scoreline. After India’s 107-run win in 2022, the cameras captured a touching moment — Indian players gathering around Bismah Maroof’s six-month-old daughter, smiling, cooing, and playing with her as Maroof held her close. It was a rare image of warmth in a rivalry often overshadowed by politics — a gentle reminder that beyond flags and pressure, these are athletes bound by mutual respect.
Fast forward to 2025, the question of whether India and Pakistan will exchange handshakes has been whispered around Colombo. Officials have not confirmed if the traditional gesture will take place. Both teams, however, insist they are focused purely on cricket — not on symbolism or speculation.
Cricketing front
Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, have much to fix after a poor start to the tournament. Bowled out for 129 by Bangladesh, their batting frailties remain their biggest concern. Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali have been in good touch recently, but Pakistan’s batters have historically struggled against quality spin — and India possess plenty of it.
India, meanwhile, will look to consolidate their strong start. Despite early stumbles against Sri Lanka, lower-order grit from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma ensured victory. Their bowling unit, led by Sneh Rana, Shree Charani, and Deepti, remains India’s greatest strength — controlling the middle overs with consistency and precision. India also carry the advantage of familiarity with conditions, having played a tri-series at the R. Premadasa Stadium earlier this year.
Form guide
India: WLWLW
Pakistan: LWLLW
In the spotlight
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Sneh Rana (India): The offspinner has turned Colombo’s Khettarama Stadium into her hunting ground, taking 15 wickets in four matches at an average of 14. She was Player of the Tournament in the tri-series earlier this year and has already made an impact in this World Cup.
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Sidra Amin (Pakistan): Pakistan’s most consistent batter in 2025, with scores of 121*, 122, and 50* against South Africa. But her record in Sri Lanka remains dismal — just 24 runs across five innings on the island.
Team news
India are unlikely to make changes to their winning combination, while Pakistan may consider bringing in Eyman Fatima or Syeda Aroob Shah to strengthen their batting depth.
Probable XIs
India: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani.
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
Pitch and conditions
Colombo’s northeast monsoon is making its presence felt, with continuous rainfall threatening another washout. The Australia–Sri Lanka match was abandoned without a toss, and wet conditions could again dictate play today. Seamers might get early movement, but if the match goes ahead, spinners will likely dominate.
Stats and trivia
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Sidra Amin’s five ODI innings in Sri Lanka have yielded just 24 runs in total.
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Sneh Rana has taken 23 of her 52 career ODI wickets in 2025 alone.
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Despite hosting this World Cup, Pakistan women had never played an ODI at Khettarama before this tournament.
Whether or not a handshake happens today, one thing is certain — the India-Pakistan fixture remains one of the most emotionally charged contests in world cricket. And sometimes, the most meaningful gestures come not from protocol, but from moments of respect shared between rivals.
