India Women clinch commanding 88-run win over Pakistan; Kranti Gaud shines as Player of the Match

India have sealed a dominant 88-run victory over Pakistan to make it two wins in a row at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The foundation was laid by disciplined batting contributions before the bowlers, led by Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud, dismantled Pakistan’s chase. Both new-ball bowlers swung and seamed brilliantly, leaving Pakistan’s top order in trouble early on. Despite Sidra Amin’s resistance, India maintained control throughout, with Kranti Gaud’s wicket of Amin proving the turning point.

India’s fielding, however, wasn’t flawless — a few dropped catches could have proved costly — but their dominance with both bat and ball ensured a comfortable win. Pakistan, on the other hand, will rue missed LBW reviews and inconsistent partnerships. With this victory, India strengthen their position in the tournament, while Pakistan suffer back-to-back defeats. Kranti Gaud was named Player of the Match for her outstanding bowling spell and key breakthroughs.

Kranti Gaud strikes right after the bowling change, dismissing Natalia Pervaiz for 33 as substitute Radha Yadav completes a fine catch. The crucial stand is broken and India tighten their grip with Pakistan reeling at 95/4.

Shree Charani made an excellent diving stop at deep square to save two runs off Deepti Sharma’s bowling but appeared to hurt herself in the process. She left the field clutching her chest as Pakistan move to 75/3 after 23 overs.

A huge mix-up left both batters stranded mid-pitch, but Natalia Pervaiz’s desperate dive saved her as Richa Ghosh broke the stumps. Deepti Sharma looked frustrated as India let another chance slip. Score: PAKW 52/3 (20.3).

Sidra Amin charged down the track to Sneh Rana and lofted a clean hit over long-on, marking Pakistan’s first-ever six against India in women’s ODI history. A rare moment of aggression in an otherwise cautious innings. Score: PAKW 47/3 (18.5).

Shree Charani put down a sharp return catch off her own bowling as Sidra Amin survived a thick edge. The ball deflected to mid-off, giving Pakistan a crucial lifeline amid India’s early dominance. Score after 17 overs: PAKW 38/3.

Renuka Singh’s first spell was pure control — 48 dots, 23 false shots, and 10 balls rapping pads. India extracted 1.73x more swing and 1.34x more seam movement than Pakistan in the first 10 overs, unsettling their top order despite Richa Ghosh’s mixed record behind the stumps this year.

Kranti Gaud removes Aliya Riaz after dismissing Sadaf Shamas, with Deepti Sharma taking a sharp low catch at second slip as Pakistan crumble in Colombo.

Renuka Singh found the edge of Sidra Amin’s bat, but wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh couldn’t hold on — a rare reprieve for Pakistan early in their chase.

Kranti Gaud removes Sadaf Shamas with a brilliant caught and bowled effort, leaving Pakistan struggling at 20/2 in the eighth over while chasing 248.

Muneeba Ali was ruled run out after a dramatic third-umpire review — her bat found hovering above the crease at the moment of impact. The Pakistani camp appeared visibly unhappy, but India celebrated a crucial breakthrough amidst on-field tension.

What a start to Pakistan’s chase! Renuka Singh nearly struck with the very first delivery, beating Muneeba Ali with a sharp outswinger. There was a noise, prompting India to go for an early DRS — but replays showed a clear gap between bat and ball, with the delivery flicking the thigh pad and pitching well outside leg. India lose their review off the first ball, while Muneeba survives. A fiery opening over to kick off the chase in Colombo!

India’s total of 249 against Pakistan in Colombo has entered the record books as one of the highest Women’s ODI team scores without an individual 50-plus contribution. Every batter chipped in with starts, but none managed to convert to a half-century. This now stands fourth on the all-time list, behind New Zealand’s 267/9 vs England (2007), Australia’s 266/5 vs International XI (1982), and England’s 259/8 vs Australia (2017).

Jemimah Rodrigues said India’s 247 is a “fighting total” on a slow, moisture-laden pitch that wasn’t coming onto the bat. Battling swarming bugs and tough conditions, she praised Richa Ghosh for her late cameo, saying the plan was to hold her back for the final overs. “She played superbly today,” Jemimah said, adding, “We’ll have to bowl and field well to win this one.”

India’s innings comes to an end at 247 all out, as Diana Baig finishes with a superb spell of 4 for 69. The final over had plenty of action — Richa Ghosh’s late fireworks included 35 off 20 balls with three fours and two sixes, giving India a much-needed push before two wickets fell in consecutive balls.

Kranti Gaud (8 off 4) and Renuka Singh Thakur (0) fell in quick succession, both caught trying to clear the infield. Despite the collapse, India managed to add 75 runs in the last 10 overs, thanks largely to Richa’s power-hitting.

For Pakistan, Fatima Sana (2/29) and Sadia Iqbal (2/47) provided excellent support. India’s final total of 247 sets up an intriguing chase at the R. Premadasa Stadium, with conditions expected to favor the spinners under lights.

Another one bites the dust for India! Diana Baig gets her second as Deepti Sharma edges one behind while attempting a flick, with Sidra Nawaz taking a sharp catch behind the stumps. Deepti’s gritty knock ends just as India looked to rebuild following Sneh Rana’s dismissal.

India now 203/7 in 45.3 overs, with Richa Ghosh (1 off 3) the new batter at the crease. Pakistan continue to apply pressure, tightening their grip in the closing stages of the innings.

Just when India looked to accelerate, Fatima Sana strikes again! After being hit for a boundary the previous ball, she responded with a fuller delivery angling in, forcing Sneh Rana into a mistimed shot that went straight to Aliya Riaz at midwicket. Sana celebrated fiercely as Pakistan picked up their sixth wicket.

India now 201/6 after 44.2 overs, with Deepti Sharma (24 off 29) holding one end. The lower order will now aim to push the total closer to the 230-mark in the final overs.

India continue to rebuild patiently at 190/5 after 43 overs. Deepti Sharma (20 off 26) and Sneh Rana (13 off 28) have added 31 runs off 48 balls, ensuring India maintain stability after the mid-innings collapse.

Pakistan’s spinners have been economical — Rameen Shamim (9-0-32-1) and Sadia Iqbal (9-0-37-1) keeping the scoring rate under control. With seven overs left, India will look for a late flourish to push the total beyond 230 and set up a defendable score in Colombo.

At the 40-over mark, India Women are 172/5 with Deepti Sharma (11 off 19) and Sneh Rana (4 off 17) trying to rebuild after Jemimah Rodrigues’ dismissal. Pakistan’s bowlers have kept things tight, led by Fatima Sana (8-2-23-1) and Rameen Shamim (8-0-29-1). The run rate has dipped slightly, and India will look for a late surge in the final 10 overs.

Pakistan strike again as Nashra Sandhu removes Jemimah Rodrigues with a successful review! A full delivery on middle pinned Jemimah in front as she missed the sweep. UltraEdge showed no bat, and ball-tracking confirmed three reds — crashing into leg stump. Rodrigues, who looked set after a composed 32, walks back disappointed.

India now 159/5 after 35 overs, losing momentum after steady progress earlier. Pakistan’s spinners tightening the grip in the middle phase.

Harleen Deol’s dismissal for 46 continues a familiar trend in 2025. This is the fourth time this year she’s been dismissed between 45 and 49, narrowly missing out on a half-century. Her ODI record in 2025 now reads: six scores under 25, eight between 26–50 (one unbeaten), and two 50-plus scores. Consistent starts, but those missed fifties remain a recurring story for the Indian batter.

Play has been temporarily halted in Colombo as ground staff spray the field to tackle a swarm of bugs that returned to bother players. With recent rain around the city, the insects have become a distraction for both teams. The players have stepped off the field while officials work to clear conditions for resumption. India currently stand at 154/4 after 34 overs, with Jemimah Rodrigues on 28* and Deepti Sharma on 2*.

Pakistan strike again! The steady partnership is broken as Harleen Deol falls for 46, caught by Nashra Sandhu off Rameen Shamim. Harleen tried to go aerial but mistimed her shot, finding Sandhu safely stationed in the deep.

Her dismissal ends a crucial 45-run stand with Jemimah Rodrigues, just when India looked to build momentum. India now 151/4 in 33.1 overs, with Pakistan tightening control through disciplined spin.

A big mix-up in the middle! Confusion between Harleen Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues could’ve cost India dearly, but Deol’s full-length dive saves the day. A sharp throw came in from the infield, and for a moment, it looked tight — but the replays confirmed Deol had just made her ground in time. A close shave for India at 136/3 in the 30th over.

Annoying swarm alert in Colombo! A flurry of flies stopped play briefly as fielders and umpires huddled to sort it out. Pakistan’s staff ran on with spray—Fatima Sana leading the charge—while players waved towels. Drinks have been taken; play to resume once the outfield clears.

At the halfway stage in Colombo, India Women are 108/3 after 25 overs. Pakistan continue to apply pressure with disciplined bowling, as Diana Baig removed Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur for 19 (34) with a brilliant diving catch by wicketkeeper Sidra Nawaz down the leg side. Earlier, opener Pratika Rawal (31 off 37) was dismissed by Sadia Iqbal, ending a promising partnership.

India reach 100/2 after 22 overs with a 33-run partnership off 43 balls between Harleen Deol and Harmanpreet Kaur, showing calm control after early setbacks.

After dismissals of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, the experienced pair of Harleen Deol and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur are rebuilding steadily at the halfway mark in Colombo.

Sadia Iqbal breaks the partnership as debutant Pratika Rawal departs after a fluent 31; Pakistan back in the game.

Smriti Mandhana falls LBW to Fatima Sana for 23 after a promising start, while debutant Pratika Rawal continues confidently on 25*. Pakistan lose a key chance as the keeper drops a catch, allowing India to rebuild at 54/1 in Colombo.

End of the first Powerplay in Colombo and India reach 54/1 after 10 overs. Opener Smriti Mandhana looked in good touch with four boundaries before falling LBW to Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana for 23 (32). The in-form pacer got one to nip back sharply and beat Mandhana on the flick.

At the other end, Pratika Rawal continues confidently on 25* (24) with four boundaries, showing good intent on her World Cup debut. Harleen Deol (5* off 4) has joined her, as India look to rebuild after an early jolt. Pakistan’s bowlers have kept things tight — Fatima Sana leading from the front with figures of 4-0-14-1, supported by Diana Baig’s steady spell of 4-0-26-0.

Overhead conditions remain slightly overcast, but the pitch looks good for batting once set. All eyes now on skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who’s next in line to bat.

Big breakthrough for Pakistan! Fatima Sana strikes as Smriti Mandhana is trapped LBW trying to flick across the line. The Indian vice-captain reviewed immediately, hoping it might be sliding down leg — but ball-tracking showed three reds, crashing into leg-stump. A sharp nip-backer from Sana ends Mandhana’s fluent start, leaving India one down early in this high-pressure clash.

Continuing India’s no-handshake stance, captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana avoided pleasantries at the toss ahead of their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Colombo. The tension follows recent controversies during the men’s Asia Cup, adding an extra edge to this much-anticipated encounter.

India enter this contest with an imposing 11-0 record against Pakistan in ODIs, including a 4-0 streak in World Cups. Pratika Rawal will open alongside Smriti Mandhana, while Renuka Singh Thakur replaces Amanjot Kaur, who is unwell. Pakistan make one change — Sadaf Shamas comes in for Omaima Sohail. Anything under 250 should be a chaseable score, believes captain Fatima Sana. The players now head for the national anthems, with a packed Colombo crowd waiting in anticipation.

Pakistan Women have won the toss and opted to bowl first in Match 6 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. What drew attention, however, was the moment before the toss — in continuation of India’s no-handshake stance against Pakistan, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana skipped the customary pleasantries. ICC officials had briefed both teams beforehand to ensure protocol clarity, but tensions were evident as the players lined up at the center.