In an exhilarating encounter during the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday, India secured an impressive 88-run victory over Pakistan. The match, held at the picturesque venue of Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, showcased stellar performances by Indian players, especially Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh. With discipline and team spirit, India overcame an initial toss confusion that gave Pakistan the advantage to bowl first.
India set a target of 247 runs, thanks to Deol’s composed 46 runs off 65 balls and Ghosh’s explosive show of 35 runs off just 20 balls. After an uncertain start, the Indian innings gathered momentum, culminating in an all-out score on a sluggish pitch.
Leading the bowling charge, Kranti Gaud claimed three wickets for just 20 runs, dismantling Pakistan’s top order effectively. Fellow bowlers Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Shree Charani (2/38) skillfully restricted the Pakistani batsmen, allowing India to wrap up the innings at 159 runs in 43 overs.
The victory marked India’s unblemished 12-0 ODI record against Pakistan, maintaining their dominance in women’s cricket. However, the match was not short of dramatics, with incidents ranging from a toss mix-up to a bizarre run-out, alongside a 15-minute delay due to an unexpected swarm of insects invading the field.
Pakistan’s chase began poorly when Muneeba Ali suffered a comical run-out without scoring. This dismissal set the tone for their innings, as Gaud quickly followed up by dismissing Sadaf Shamas for 6 and Aliya Riaz for merely 2 runs, plunging Pakistan into a troubling situation at 26 for 3.
Although opener Sidra Amin put up a resilient fight, scoring 81 runs off 106 balls, the rest of the batting line-up failed to support her effort. Amin found a brief ally in Natalia Pervaiz, who contributed 33 runs to a 69-run partnership before the remaining batting order crumbled.
India’s innings saw an early start led by Pratika Rawal, with her quickfire 31 runs including three back-to-back fours. However, the Indian innings faced challenges from Pakistani bowlers, particularly Diana Baig, who bagged four wickets for 69 runs, and Fatima Sana, who pocketed two crucial wickets.
Following Rawal’s exit and quick wickets, Harleen Deol stepped in and stabilized the innings with vital partnerships alongside Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32). Just when Pakistan seemed to regain control, Richa Ghosh’s quick scoring changed the momentum, positioning India close to a competitive total with her aggressive stroke play.
The Indian bowlers finished the match in style, showcasing their skills and sealing the game. With this victory, India continues its strong showing in the tournament and demonstrates their capabilities in the chase for the World Cup.
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.
