A bizarre moment unfolded during the toss of the India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 clash at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Sunday — leaving players, officials, and viewers momentarily puzzled.
When Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur flipped the coin, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana called “tails.” The coin, however, landed on heads, meaning India had technically won the toss. But due to a miscommunication, match referee Shandre Fritz and announcer Mel Jones misheard Sana’s call as “heads” — leading them to mistakenly believe Pakistan had called correctly.
As a result, the toss was incorrectly awarded to Pakistan, and Fatima Sana opted to bowl first. Harmanpreet Kaur did not challenge the decision on the spot, allowing the match to proceed with Pakistan taking the field first.
Commentators later clarified the confusion, noting that the stump mic clearly picked up Sana calling “tails.” The incident has since gone viral, with fans debating whether the decision should have been corrected before the first ball was bowled.
Adding to the intensity, the two captains did not shake hands at the toss, continuing India’s no-handshake stance against Pakistan — a symbolic continuation of the diplomatic freeze seen in men’s cricket as well.
At the time of writing, India were 36/0 in 6.5 overs, with Smriti Mandhana on 13 (25) and Pratika Rawal on 22 (16), after Pakistan chose to bowl first.
