In the vibrant cricketing city of Colombo, an encounter unfolded that was far more than just another match; it was a testament to enduring dominance, peppered with peculiar moments. The Indian Women`s cricket team delivered a commanding 88-run victory over their arch-rivals, Pakistan, in a captivating ICC Women`s World Cup clash. This win not only secured crucial points but also extended India`s flawless one-day international (ODI) head-to-head record against Pakistan to a remarkable 12-0.
The Stage Set for Drama, and Some Whimsy
From the outset, this contest had an air of the unconventional. The match referee, perhaps caught in the spirit of generosity, erroneously granted Pakistan the toss. A minor administrative hiccup, to be sure, but one that added a whimsical footnote to a high-stakes fixture. Pakistan, opting to bowl first on what proved to be a sluggish track, likely hoped for early breakthroughs. Meanwhile, India maintained its customary “no-handshake” policy, a continuation of a rather stoic tradition on the field, allowing the cricketing action to speak for itself, unburdened by pleasantries.
The peculiarities didn`t end there. The day saw a truly bizarre run-out incident and, rather charmingly, a 15-minute delay caused by an unexpected invasion of bugs on the field. One might suggest even nature sought a front-row seat to this perennial rivalry.
India`s Innings: Building a Fortress on a Slow Pitch
Batting first on a pitch that offered little pace, India`s batters faced a genuine challenge. Opener Pratika Rawal provided a brisk start with a quickfire 31, but the early departure of star batter Smriti Mandhana (23) put the top order under pressure. It was the composed Harleen Deol who anchored the innings with a steady 46 off 65 balls, stitching crucial partnerships.
The innings received its much-needed impetus from the explosive Richa Ghosh, whose spirited 35 runs off just 20 balls provided a blistering late surge. Her audacious sweeps and powerful hitting, including three fours and two sixes, propelled India to a competitive total of 247, pushing past what seemed possible given the early struggles and the disciplined bowling of Pakistan`s Diana Baig (4/69) and Fatima Sana (2/38).
Pakistan`s Chase: A Rollercoaster of Hope and Collapse
Chasing 248, Pakistan`s innings began with an immediate dose of chaos. Opener Muneeba Ali`s dismissal was the epitome of cricketing theatre. After surviving a leg-before appeal, she momentarily wandered out of her crease, only for an alert Deepti Sharma to swoop in with a direct hit, catching Muneeba`s bat mid-air. It was a run-out that prompted vigorous, albeit unsuccessful, arguments from Pakistan`s skipper Fatima Sana – a classic moment of quick thinking meeting unfortunate timing.
The early pressure was compounded by pacer Kranti Gaud, who dismantled Pakistan`s top order with exceptional figures of 3/20. She quickly dispatched Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26/3. While Sidra Amin mounted a valiant resistance with a fighting 81 off 106 balls, supported briefly by Natalia Pervaiz (33), the Indian bowlers, particularly the spinners, tightened their grip, systematically cleaning up the middle and lower order. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 159, falling well short of the target.
The Unbroken Streak Continues
This comprehensive 88-run victory was more than just another win; it was a reaffirmation of India Women`s cricket team`s historical dominance over their neighbours. Maintaining an immaculate 12-0 record in ODIs against Pakistan is a significant achievement, highlighting consistent performance and strategic prowess in these high-stakes encounters.
The match in Colombo, with its blend of tactical brilliance, individual heroics, and amusing side-notes, underscored the enduring appeal of this particular rivalry. For fans of ICC Women`s World Cup cricket, it was a reminder that the script for these contests is often written with dramatic flair, ensuring that every India-Pakistan clash remains etched in memory, regardless of the final scorecard. As the tournament progresses, India will undoubtedly carry this momentum, aiming for further glories on the global stage.
