The highly anticipated ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan in Colombo was steeped in tension right from the start. The coin toss saw an unusual snub as captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana opted not to shake hands, a gesture reflecting lingering rivalries from previous men’s cricket controversies.
The toss itself ignited online debate. Footage showed Fatima Sana seemingly calling “tails,” but the match official declared “heads,” granting Pakistan the toss and the decision to bowl first. While social media was abuzz with divided opinions, the Pakistan skipper remained composed.
Tensions flared again in India’s 22nd over. After Harmanpreet Kaur had just struck a boundary off Nashra Sandhu, the Pakistani spinner, following a dot ball, made a theatrical mock throw in Kaur’s direction, accompanied by an intense stare. This apparent attempt to intimidate the Indian captain was met with an unyielding silence from Kaur, who stayed focused on her game, though she did murmur a few words.
India’s batting innings faced an unexpected interruption when a swarm of flies descended upon the pitch. Pakistan spinner Nashra Sandhu was visibly bothered, swatting insects away, while Harleen Deol paused her play to shoo them off. Even bug spray proved ineffective for the Pakistan captain. Play was temporarily halted as masked ground staff applied more spray, and fumigation efforts were undertaken to clear the area.
The match wasn’t without its lighter moments, too. In the 50th over, Richa Ghosh of India mis-hit a pull shot from Diana Baig, offering a seemingly simple catch. However, a comical collision between the wicketkeeper and backward point fielder resulted in the catch being dropped, granting Ghosh a reprieve. The late innings drama continued with Kranti Gaud and Renuka Singh Thakur both being dismissed in quick succession.
Pakistan’s chase began with its own controversy. Opener Muneeba Ali was run out in the fourth over following a brilliant direct hit from Deepti Sharma. Replays clearly showed Ali’s bat lifting off the crease as the bails were dislodged, overturning an initial “not out” decision and sending her back for just 2 runs. Fatima Sana was seen in a heated discussion with officials regarding the call.
Later, Deepti Sharma was involved in another heated incident in the 34th over of Pakistan’s innings. Sidra Amin attempted a quick single, and Sharma’s throw at the non-striker’s end unfortunately struck Amin on the back of her leg, causing a brief pause for medical attention. Amin eventually resumed her innings. Ironically, Deepti was later awarded “best fielder of the match,” remarking, “God is great,” in a video shared by the BCCI.
Despite the outstanding fielding by India’s leaders, including Deepti, Harmanpreet, and Smriti Mandhana, the intensity of the fixture never waned. The charged atmosphere in Colombo was palpable, culminating in no handshakes between the teams at the match’s conclusion.
Combining tense cricketing action, contentious decisions, amusing fielding mishaps, and unique environmental interruptions, this match undoubtedly stands out as the most talked-about encounter of the Women’s World Cup so far.