The ICC Women`s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed a display of sheer dominance as the Indian women`s cricket team secured a resounding 88-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan at the R Premadasa Stadium. This decisive win not only marked India`s 12th triumph against Pakistan in women`s ODIs but also propelled them to the top of the points table, setting a formidable tone for their tournament campaign.
Navigating a Tricky Pitch: India`s Batting Resilience
The conditions in Colombo were far from ideal, with a sluggish, rain-affected pitch presenting a genuine challenge for batters. India, opting to bat first, meticulously built their innings, understanding the need for wickets in hand and steady accumulation rather than reckless aggression. Despite the difficult surface, they managed to post a respectable total of **247 runs**. While it wasn`t a runaway scoring feast, key contributions were pivotal.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur later acknowledged the testing nature of the pitch, crediting the resilience shown. Among the crucial innings, young wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh provided a vital late surge, her cameo of 25 not out adding crucial runs that, as it turned out, significantly bolstered India`s defendable score. On such pitches, every boundary, every quick single, and especially every run added at the death, feels like gold – and Ghosh certainly delivered a valuable deposit.
The Bowling Masterclass: Gaud and Sharma Lead the Charge
If India`s batting laid the foundation, their bowling attack constructed the fortress. The target of 248, while not astronomical, proved insurmountable for Pakistan, largely thanks to an exceptional performance from India`s bowlers. The tone was set early, and the pressure maintained relentlessly.
Spearheading this effort were **Kranti Gaud and Deepti Sharma**, both of whom claimed three crucial wickets. Gaud, in particular, was outstanding, returning figures of 3-20. Her performance was a testament not just to skill, but also to keen cricketing intelligence. She even famously insisted on keeping a slip fielder despite a suggestion to remove it as the ball aged – a decision that clearly paid dividends. Dedicating her performance to her village in Ghuwara, Madhya Pradesh, Gaud highlighted the profound connection athletes have with their roots and the pride they carry.
Renuka Singh Thakur also contributed significantly, assisting with vital breakthroughs that prevented any meaningful partnerships from blossoming for Pakistan. The collective discipline and execution of the Indian bowlers ensured that Pakistan`s chase never truly gained momentum, ultimately bowling them out for a mere 159 runs.
Captain`s Delight and Future Outlook
Harmanpreet Kaur, visibly delighted with the comprehensive victory, emphasized the significance of the win. “Very happy, very important game for all of us and I`m sure everyone back home is happy as well. Our bowling was great,” she remarked in the post-match presentation. Her focus quickly shifted to maintaining momentum, a critical factor in any major tournament.
India is now poised for further challenges, with upcoming fixtures against South Africa on October 9 and defending champions Australia on October 12, both to be played in Visakhapatnam. The captain articulated the team`s readiness to adapt to different conditions and refine their strategies. “There are a lot of areas but we are happy we won, just want to go with the momentum. Now we go back to India, we know how the pitches play there, we will look at the combinations and what team we need to play,” she stated, underscoring a pragmatic approach to the demanding schedule ahead.
Pakistan`s Candid Assessment
On the other side, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana offered a candid, if somber, assessment of her team`s performance. She admitted that her side leaked too many runs, particularly in the powerplay and death overs, making the chase considerably more difficult. The target, she felt, should have been restricted under 200.
While acknowledging Sidra Amin`s fighting knock of 81 runs as a standout individual effort, Sana highlighted systemic issues within Pakistan`s batting lineup. “We decided to go with specialist batters in the top-five, they need to step up,” she noted, with a touch of blunt honesty. The need for longer partnerships, better assessment of conditions, and expressing themselves more freely were identified as crucial areas for improvement. The road ahead for Pakistan looks challenging, but their captain`s directness might just be the first step towards a necessary recalibration.
A Momentum-Building Triumph
This emphatic victory against a traditional rival is more than just two points on the table; it`s a significant psychological boost for the Indian contingent. It showcases their ability to perform under pressure, adapt to challenging conditions, and execute plans effectively. As the tournament progresses, such a dominant start will be invaluable, providing both confidence and a clear roadmap for their pursuit of World Cup glory. India has thrown down the gauntlet; now, the rest of the world cup awaits.
