In a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup encounter held in Colombo on Sunday, the Indian team delivered a stellar performance, securing a dominant 88-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. This memorable win was largely thanks to the strategic batting efforts of Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh, perfectly complemented by a highly disciplined bowling attack.
Opting to bat first on a challenging slow pitch, India built a strong foundation. Harleen Deol showcased remarkable composure with her steady 46 runs off 65 balls, while Richa Ghosh unleashed an explosive 35* from just 20 balls in the final overs, propelling India to a formidable total of 247.
Despite some unusual interruptions, including a debated toss decision that favored Pakistan and a bizarre 15-minute delay caused by an insect invasion on the field, India’s bowlers remained unfazed. They systematically dismantled Pakistan’s chase, spearheaded by Kranti Gaud’s incredible spell of 3 wickets for just 20 runs, which ripped through the top order.
Spinners Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Shree Charani (2/38) continued the onslaught, efficiently cleaning up Pakistan’s middle and lower batting lineup. Although Sidra Amin put up a valiant fight with 81 runs off 106 balls and Natalia Pervaiz contributed a solid 33, the rest of the Pakistani team struggled to find their footing. This decisive victory further extended India’s impeccable ODI head-to-head record against Pakistan, now standing at an impressive 12-0.
Harleen Deol Anchors India’s Innings
India’s batting lineup faced early challenges on the sluggish surface. Opener Smriti Mandhana fell for 23 during the powerplay, though Pratika Rawal provided a quick start with 31 runs. Harleen Deol, however, proved to be the anchor, meticulously building crucial partnerships. She added a 39-run stand with Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and a significant 45 runs with Jemimah Rodrigues (32). Deol’s composed and strategic strokeplay skillfully guided India through the tricky middle overs, setting the perfect stage for Richa Ghosh’s late-game acceleration.
The momentum briefly stalled when Harmanpreet was dismissed by an inside edge, and Jemimah Rodrigues, despite an earlier reprieve on a no-ball, also departed for 32. Yet, the experienced duo of Deepti Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) kept the scoreboard ticking with a 42-run partnership, maintaining India’s competitive edge before Richa Ghosh’s late-innings fireworks ensured a strong total of 247.
Kranti Gaud Dominates Pakistan’s Top Order
Pakistan’s pursuit of 248 runs began disastrously. Opener Muneeba Ali (2) was spectacularly run out by Deepti Sharma after a momentary lapse outside her crease. Kranti Gaud then delivered a double blow, first catching and bowling Sadaf Shamas (6) and then quickly dismissing Aliya Riaz (2), leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 26/3.
The Indian bowling unit maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Gaud expertly utilized the pitch’s pace and bounce, while Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani skillfully varied their deliveries, keeping the Pakistani batters on the back foot. This disciplined and controlled bowling strategy prevented Pakistan from building any significant rhythm or momentum in their chase.
Sidra Amin and Natalia Pervaiz Offer Brief Resistance
Following the early wickets, Pakistan’s middle-order batters, Sidra Amin (81 off 106 balls) and Natalia Pervaiz (33), attempted to stabilize the innings. They forged a 69-run partnership that, for a brief period, offered a glimmer of hope for a comeback. Amin, carrying her excellent form from the recent South Africa series, played a composed innings, finding crucial boundaries and rotating the strike effectively.
However, once this crucial partnership was broken by Gaud and the persistent Indian bowlers, wickets began to tumble consistently. Deepti Sharma’s economical spell ensured that Pakistan never fully recovered. Despite Sidra Amin’s determined single-handed effort, Pakistan was eventually bowled out for 159 runs in 43 overs, handing India a decisive 88-run victory.
Post-Match Reactions: Celebrating Kranti’s Heroics and Team Momentum
After the match, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed immense satisfaction with her team’s performance: “We are very happy with this important win. Our bowling unit was exceptional today, and Kranti was absolutely outstanding. Richa’s crucial 30-plus runs at the end also made a big difference. We aimed to assess the kind of total we could achieve on this slow, gripping pitch, and I’m thrilled that we secured the victory.”
Player of the Match, Kranti Gaud, shared her excitement: “It feels truly amazing to be named Player of the Match in a World Cup game. I know my village will be incredibly proud of this achievement.” Pakistan captain Fatima Sana acknowledged her team’s struggles despite Amin’s resilient innings, highlighting the critical need for stronger batting partnerships in their upcoming matches.
India’s victory was a testament to their well-rounded performance, showcasing a perfect blend of patient batting, aggressive finishing, and disciplined bowling. This win not only solidified their dominance over Pakistan in ODI cricket but also ensured they carry strong momentum forward in the tournament.