India defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in Colombo to maintain a perfect 12-0 ODI record over their rivals, defending 247 with a disciplined new‑ball burst and sustained middle‑overs control before closing the chase in 43 overs at 159 all out.
Match summary
- India 247/9 in 50 overs; Pakistan 159 all out in 43 overs; India won by 88 runs and moved top of the table early in the tournament window.
- Toss: Pakistan won and bowled first; India’s late surge, led by Richa Ghosh, pushed the total to a defendable score on a two‑paced surface.
- Result context: India extended the all‑format World Cup rivalry dominance; ICC and broadcasters released highlight reels shortly after the finish.
How India set 247
- Middle‑order grit: Harleen Deol anchored with 46 (65) while Jemimah Rodrigues added a run‑steadying 32; India rebuilt after a scratchy top order and fielding‑induced pressure from Pakistan.
- Death‑overs boost: Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 35 off 20 delivered vital late acceleration, ensuring a target just shy of 250 despite Pakistan’s tidy seam‑spin rotation through the middle.
- Pakistan’s bowling: Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, and Sadia Iqbal shared key wickets, keeping India’s boundary rate in check until the final overs.
How India defended
- New‑ball strikes and pressure: India’s pacers, including Kranti Goud, prised out early wickets and set aggressive fields; a second‑slip ploy was notably retained at Goud’s insistence and quickly rewarded.
- Middle‑overs squeeze: Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma choked scoring, breaking the Amin‑Pervaiz stand that briefly steadied Pakistan’s chase around the 30‑over mark.
- Finishers: Deepti Sharma took the final wicket; Pakistan folded for 159, punctuating India’s control across phases.
Standout performances
- Sidra Amin (PAK): 81 off 106, a lone, polished resistance that kept Pakistan hopeful until the pivotal middle‑overs collapse.
- Richa Ghosh (IND): 35* off 20, the late‑over catalyst that stretched India to a match‑winning total on a sticky pitch.
- Kranti Goud (IND): 3/20 in 10 overs, Player of the Match, combining seam movement with sharp fields; central to the early squeeze.
- Support acts: Sneh Rana’s control spells and Deepti Sharma’s wickets framed a complete bowling effort, complemented by improved catching after early jitters.
Turning points
- The Amin‑Pervaiz stand broken: A mis‑hit and sharp catching ended Pakistan’s best partnership at 95/4, tipping momentum decisively India’s way.
- India’s 46‑over lift: Richa’s finishing burst over the last two overs converted 230‑ish into 247, changing the complexion of the chase under lights.
- Slip catch off Goud: Tactical insistence on a second slip produced a key dismissal, keeping Pakistan’s top order under scoreboard pressure.
Numbers and streaks
- Head‑to‑head: India made it 12‑0 over Pakistan in women’s ODIs; 5‑0 in ODI World Cups.
- Margin: 88‑run win with Pakistan bowled out inside 43 overs; India’s NRR boost carried them to the top early in the group standings.
Watch highlights
- Official ICC highlights: Bowlers inspire India to big win; Hindi highlights also available.
- Full match highlight packages and replay clips are available via JioCinema/Hotstar and partner platforms.
This fixture showcased India’s composure in tricky batting conditions and a proactive bowling plan that targeted Pakistan’s top order, before methodically dismantling the chase around the 30‑over mark.
