The highly anticipated ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match between fierce rivals India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday took an unexpected turn when a dense swarm of flies descended, disrupting play and thoroughly testing the composure of players from both teams.
Despite attempts with bug spray, players were ultimately forced off the pitch due to a persistent swarm of insects.
During India’s innings, the tiny invaders proved particularly bothersome, with players visibly agitated while batting and fielding. Pakistan’s spinner, Nashra Sandhu, was frequently observed attempting to shoo the bugs away with a towel. Both fielders and Sandhu herself approached the umpires to discuss potential solutions for the persistent nuisance.
In a rather unusual sight, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana resorted to using a bug spray directly on the field. However, this effort proved largely ineffective, as the insects continued to plague the playing area. Even during a scheduled drinks break, the flies remained, with Indian batter Harleen Deol momentarily stepping away from the crease to wave them off before facing deliveries.
Eventually, the disruption became too significant to overlook. Both sets of players departed the pitch, leading to a temporary halt in the game. A masked ground staff member then appeared on the field to apply a more potent ‘bug spray’ in an effort to clear the area.
Despite this bizarre interruption, the India Women’s team managed to maintain steady progress against Pakistan’s bowlers. At the point of the stoppage, after 30 overs, India had reached 136 for 3, with Pratika Rawal contributing 31 runs, Smriti Mandhana 23, and Harmanpreet Kaur adding 19. Jemimah Rodrigues was still at the crease on 21.
The Indian batting lineup had already seen three steady wickets fall: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and then Harmanpreet Kaur at a team score of 106. Pakistan Women, having won the toss earlier, had opted to bowl first, experiencing mixed success as India established a stable platform despite the ongoing insect problem and the loss of key batters.
While the match was already charged with heightened tensions following the absence of customary handshakes before play, these unexpected bug swarms introduced a truly strange and memorable twist to the contest in Colombo. It became a unique test of concentration and adaptability.
As play resumed, India aimed to accelerate their innings, contending not only with Pakistan’s bowling attack but also with the lingering presence of the persistent insects, making for a truly peculiar display of skill and focus.