On Sunday, India achieved a commanding victory, defeating Pakistan by 88 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup. The outstanding performance from bowlers Kranti Gaud, Deepti Sharma, and explosive batting from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh led the team to success.
India posted 247 all out on a sluggish pitch, as Deol scored a composed 46 off 65 balls and Ghosh provided a finishing touch with an explosive 35 off 20 balls. The match featured a toss confusion with the referee mistakenly granting the toss to Pakistan, who elected to bowl first.
The bowling charge by Gaud, who secured 3 wickets for just 20 runs, dismantled Pakistan’s top order. Along with Sharma, who took 3 for 45, and spinner Shree Charani, who contributed 2 for 38, India’s bowling proved clinical.
Pakistan struggled in their chase, unable to cope with the pressure. Despite a valiant effort from opener Sidra Amin, who scored 81 runs off 106 balls, the team crumbled to 159 all out in 43 overs.
This win extends India’s unbeatable ODI record against Pakistan to 12-0, showcasing their dominance in women’s cricket.
The match unfolded with intriguing moments, including a toss blunder, a bizarre run-out, and a 15-minute delay due to a swarm of bugs invading the pitch. The teams maintained a “no-handshake” policy during and after the match, reflecting ongoing tensions.
Pakistan’s chase began on a rocky note when Muneeba Ali was comically run out after a failed LBW appeal. She stepped out of her crease while the ball was still in play, falling victim to Deepti Sharma’s direct hit.
Gaud quickly grabbed the wickets of Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz, reducing Pakistan to a precarious 26 for 3. Amin and Natalia Pervaiz added a brief resistance with a 69-run partnership, but once that ended, the tail crumbled.
India’s innings relied heavily on Deol’s steady knock and Ghosh’s explosive finish. Opener Pratika Rawal provided a brisk start with a score of 31, striking three consecutive fours off Diana Baig.
Despite a solid start, India faced challenges with sharp bowling variations from Baig, who claimed 4 wickets for 69 runs, and skipper Fatima Sana, who took 2 for 38.
Deol built crucial partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, but quick breaks in momentum troubled India’s scoring. Just when Pakistan thought they had control, Ghosh responded with aggression to propel India past 240.
With a steady batting order and disciplined bowling attack, India registered a dominant victory, keeping their Women’s World Cup campaign firmly on track.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 247 all out in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Diana Baig 4/69, Fatima Sana 2/38).
Pakistan Women: 159 all out in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81; Kranti Gaud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45, Shree Charani 2/38).
Result: India won by 88 runs.
