India`s women`s cricket team secured a commanding 88-run victory over Pakistan in a dramatic ICC Women`s World Cup match in Colombo. This win marks India`s 12th consecutive ODI triumph against their rivals, maintaining a perfect head-to-head record. Key contributions from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh in batting, alongside stellar bowling by Kranti Gaud, sealed the win.
India`s Innings: Setting a Competitive Target
Batting first on a challenging slow pitch, India successfully posted a competitive total of 247 runs. Harleen Deol played a crucial anchor role, scoring a composed 46 runs off 65 balls. The innings gained vital momentum towards the end with Richa Ghosh`s explosive cameo, where she smashed 35 runs from just 20 deliveries, including three fours and two sixes, propelling India close to the 250-run mark.
Earlier, opener Pratika Rawal contributed a brisk 31, but star batter Smriti Mandhana fell for 23, putting early pressure on the top order. Pakistani pacers Diana Baig, who claimed 4 wickets for 69 runs, and skipper Fatima Sana (2/38) were instrumental in curbing India`s scoring rate, sharing six wickets between them. Despite their efforts, partnerships involving Harmanpreet (19), Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deepti Sharma, and Sneh Rana (20) proved essential in building India`s total.
Pakistan`s Chase and Indian Bowling Dominance
Pakistan`s pursuit of 248 runs began with immediate setbacks. Opener Muneeba Ali was sensationally run out for just 2 runs after an alert piece of fielding by Deepti Sharma. Pacer Kranti Gaud then dismantled Pakistan`s top order with a brilliant spell, swiftly dismissing Sadaf Shamas (6) and Aliya Riaz (2), leaving Pakistan reeling at 26 for 3. Gaud finished with impressive figures of 3 wickets for only 20 runs.
Although Sidra Amin mounted a valiant effort with a resilient 81 runs off 106 balls, and briefly found support from Natalia Pervaiz (33) in a 69-run partnership, the Indian spinners effectively cleaned up the middle and lower order. Pakistan was eventually bundled out for just 159 runs, falling significantly short of the target.
Dramatic Moments and Policy Adherence
The match was not without its share of drama and unusual incidents beyond the cricketing action. The toss was initially ruled erroneously in Pakistan`s favor by the match referee, leading them to elect to bowl first. India continued its established `no-handshake` policy at the toss and after the match, consistent with the precedent set during the men`s Asia Cup.
Further adding to the day`s eccentricities were a bizarre run-out incident and a 15-minute delay in play caused by bugs invading the field, making the contest memorable for reasons beyond just the scoreline.
