There remains a vast gulf in strength between India and Pakistan when it comes to cricket. No matter the format or the tournament be it a bilateral series or a World Cup the result rarely changes. It seems written in destiny: India triumphs, Pakistan falters. Whether it’s men’s cricket or women’s, the pattern continues.
In the Women’s ODI World Cup, Pakistan once again faced the inevitable. India defeated them convincingly by 88 runs in Colombo, securing their second straight win of the tournament.
Batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium, India posted 247 runs in 50 overs the highest-ever total in women’s ODIs without a single half-century. Despite a shaky start under cloudy skies, Harleen Deol (46) and Pratika Rawal (31) steadied the innings after Pakistan chose to bowl first. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur couldn’t make a big score, but Jemimah Rodrigues (32) and Richa Ghosh lifted the tempo late in the innings. Ghosh’s explosive 35 off 20 balls ensured a strong finish for India.
Chasing 248, Pakistan’s reply unraveled quickly. Muniba Ali was run out bizarrely in the fourth over, with Deepti Sharma’s sharp fielding setting the tone. Pacer Kranti Gaur then tore through Pakistan’s top order, reducing them to 26 for 3 after quick dismissals of Sadaf Shamas (0) and Alia Riaz (0).
Sidra Amin fought a lone battle with a gritty 81 off 106 balls, supported briefly by Natalia Parvez (33), but the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure. Kranti Gaur was outstanding, claiming 3 wickets for just 20 runs in 8 overs, while Deepti Sharma complemented her with 3 for 45. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 159 in 43 overs.