India dominate Pakistan, keep unbeaten streak alive

In yet another chapter of the fierce India-Pakistan rivalry, India’s women outclassed their neighbors by 88 runs on Sunday, extending their perfect ODI head-to-head record to 12-0. A blend of composure with the bat and incisive bowling ensured India maintained control from start to finish, leaving Pakistan struggling despite a valiant fight from Sidra Amin.

Deol and Ghosh steer India to competitive total

The match began on an unusual note when the toss was mistakenly awarded to Pakistan by the match referee. Electing to bowl first, Pakistan hoped to exploit the slow track, but India’s batters quickly took control. Opener Pratika Rawal gave a brisk start with 31 runs, including three consecutive boundaries off Diana Baig.

Star batter Smriti Mandhana fell early inside the powerplay for 23, trapped in front by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana, adding early pressure. Harleen Deol then provided much-needed stability with a composed 46 off 65 balls, anchoring India’s middle order. Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 32, helping stitch crucial partnerships that kept India on track.

Richa Ghosh’s whirlwind 35 off 20 balls, including three boundaries and two towering sixes, pushed India to a competitive 247 on the slow, tricky pitch, giving the bowlers a defendable total.

Gaud and spinners wreak havoc on Pakistan

India’s bowlers dominated from the outset. Kranti Gaud led the attack with 3/20, dismantling Pakistan’s top order. The chase began in chaos when opener Muneeba Ali was sensationally run out for 2 after wandering out of her crease, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26/3. Deepti Sharma’s sharp direct hit added to the early pressure.

Sidra Amin tried to steady the innings with 81 off 106 balls, supported by Natalia Pervaiz’s 33, forming a 69-run partnership. But India’s spinners and pacers maintained relentless pressure, triggering a collapse. Sana and Baig returned in the final overs to clean up the tail, bundling Pakistan out for 159 and handing India a commanding 88-run victory.

India’s perfect balance shows depth and resilience

The match featured unusual moments: a brief 15-minute delay due to bugs on the field, a bizarre run-out, and India continuing their “no-handshake” policy at the toss. On the cricketing front, disciplined bowling by Baig (4/69) and Sana (2/38) challenged Indian batters earlier, but India’s experience and depth proved decisive.

Deol’s composed innings, paired with Richa’s explosive finish, highlighted India’s ability to combine patience and aggression. Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana’s middle-order partnership further stabilized the innings, ensuring India maintained momentum even after early setbacks.

The victory reinforces India’s dominance over Pakistan in women’s ODIs and keeps them firmly on track for a strong World Cup campaign. With both bat and ball firing in unison, India has signaled they are serious contenders in the ongoing tournament.