In a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup match held in Colombo on Sunday, the Indian team secured an impressive 88-run victory over Pakistan. The win was largely propelled by dynamic batting performances from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh, alongside a formidable bowling effort. Opting to bat first on a challenging slow pitch, India built a strong total of 247, thanks to Deol’s steady 46 runs off 65 balls and Ghosh’s explosive unbeaten 35 off just 20 deliveries towards the innings’ close.
Image: Kranti Goud (C) celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz with teammates. (PTI/AP Photo)
Even with early challenges, including a contentious toss that favored Pakistan and a bizarre 15-minute halt due to insects swarming the field, India’s bowlers remained unfazed. They systematically dismantled Pakistan’s pursuit of the target. Kranti Gaud was exceptional, leading the charge with a brilliant 3 wickets for just 20 runs, ripping through Pakistan’s top batting order. Spinners Deepti Sharma, with 3 wickets for 45 runs, and Shree Charani, claiming 2 wickets for 38 runs, efficiently cleared out the middle and lower order. While Sidra Amin bravely fought with 81 runs off 106 balls and Natalia Pervaiz contributed 33, the remaining Pakistani batters struggled to build momentum, ultimately collapsing under pressure.
This remarkable win further solidified India’s perfect one-day international (ODI) record against Pakistan, making it an impressive 12-0.
Harleen Deol’s Anchoring Performance
India’s innings started cautiously on the difficult, slow pitch. Opener Smriti Mandhana managed 23 runs before her dismissal in the powerplay, while Pratika Rawal provided a quick 31. It was Harleen Deol’s composed knock of 46 that stabilized the innings, forming crucial partnerships—a 39-run stand with Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and a 45-run contribution with Jemimah Rodrigues (32). Deol’s elegant strokeplay guided India through the challenging middle overs, setting the stage for Richa Ghosh’s powerful finish.
Image: Harleen Deol of India bats as wicket keeper Sidra Nawaz of Pakistan looks on. (Getty Images)
Harmanpreet Kaur’s departure, caught off an inside edge, briefly slowed India’s momentum. Jemimah Rodrigues, who had received an early reprieve from a no-ball, was eventually dismissed for 32. However, the experienced duo of Deepti Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) quickly rebuilt, adding a vital 42-run partnership. Their contributions kept India in a strong position, allowing Richa Ghosh to unleash a late barrage of runs, ultimately propelling the team to a formidable total of 247.
Kranti Gaud’s Masterclass Demolishes Pakistan’s Top Order
Pakistan’s challenging chase of 248 runs started disastrously. Opener Muneeba Ali (2) was brilliantly run out by Deepti Sharma after a lapse in concentration. Kranti Gaud then inflicted further damage, claiming two quick wickets: Sadaf Shamas (6) caught and bowled, and Aliya Riaz (2), leaving Pakistan struggling at a mere 26 for 3.
The Indian bowling unit maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Gaud masterfully exploited the pitch’s inherent pace and bounce, while Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani showcased exceptional control with their clever variations. This disciplined approach, focusing on tight lines and lengths, constantly challenged the Pakistani batters, preventing them from establishing any rhythm or gaining momentum in their chase.
Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz’s Brief Stand
Following the early breakthroughs, Pakistan’s middle-order pairing of Sidra Amin, scoring a resilient 81 runs off 106 balls, and Natalia Pervaiz, with a steady 33, tried to steady the ship. They forged a crucial 69-run partnership that, for a short while, hinted at a potential comeback. Amin, carrying her excellent form from the recent series against South Africa, played a composed innings, finding timely boundaries and rotating the strike effectively.
However, once Kranti Gaud and the relentless Indian bowlers managed to break this threatening partnership, Pakistan’s wickets began to tumble consistently. Deepti Sharma’s economical and precise spell ensured that Pakistan could never recover. Despite Sidra Amin’s admirable solo effort, Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 159 runs in just 43 overs, handing India a decisive 88-run victory.
Image: India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her team members celebrate the win. (AP/PTI Photo)
Post-Match Reactions: Praises for Kranti and Future Momentum
Following the match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed her immense satisfaction, applauding both her bowlers and the critical late-game batting contributions. “We are extremely happy with this important victory,” she stated. “Our bowling was exceptional, and Kranti was absolutely outstanding. Richa’s 30 crucial runs towards the end were vital. We aimed to assess our total on a slow, tricky pitch, and I’m delighted with the win.”
Player of the Match, Kranti Gaud, beamed as she accepted her award: “It feels truly incredible to be named Player of Match in a World Cup game. I know everyone in my village will be incredibly proud.” Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana candidly acknowledged her team’s difficulties, despite Amin’s valiant effort, stressing the critical importance of building strong partnerships in upcoming fixtures.
This triumph for India underscored a perfectly balanced performance, combining strategic patience, aggressive play, and highly disciplined bowling. The victory not only reaffirmed their significant dominance over Pakistan in ODI cricket but also ensured they maintain strong momentum as they advance through the tournament.