As India gear up for their high-stakes Women’s World Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, all eyes will be on Smriti Mandhana, who is on the verge of a major milestone. The Indian vice-captain needs just 104 more runs to join Mithali Raj in the elite 5,000-run club in Women’s ODIs — a feat that underlines her dominance and consistency over the years.
India’s camp had an intense practice session two days ahead of the big match, focusing on adapting to Colombo’s humid and damp conditions. However, the day’s training took an unexpected turn when a non-venomous rat snake, locally called Grandaiya, slithered across the field, briefly halting proceedings. The ground staff, familiar with the reptile’s presence, handled the situation calmly, while players and staff shared a few nervous laughs.
Despite the interruption, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team appeared confident as they fine-tuned their strategies. India, who began their campaign with a hard-fought win over Sri Lanka, will look to build momentum and fix their top-order fragility before tougher fixtures ahead. The middle-order rescue act by Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur in the last game showed India’s depth, but they will want their frontline batters — particularly Mandhana — to take charge early.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, are still searching for rhythm after a disappointing defeat to Bangladesh. Their batting lineup struggled for partnerships, and with the Indian attack boasting variety and experience, Pakistan face an uphill task.
The weather, however, remains a major concern. Forecasts predict a 100% chance of rain on match day, with possible delays or even a truncated contest.
India’s probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Arundhati Reddy/Kranti Gaud.
Pakistan’s probable XI: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (c), Syeda Aroob Shah, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal.
India hold an unbroken 11-0 record against Pakistan in women’s ODIs, including four straight wins in World Cups, and will aim to maintain that streak when the two sides meet again in Colombo.
As Mandhana inches closer to a landmark only Mithali Raj has achieved before, Sunday’s contest promises not just a fierce rivalry — but also a celebration of Indian women’s cricket’s growing legacy.
