India delivered a commanding performance against Pakistan, clinching an 88-run victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday. The match, held at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, was marked by contrasting batting displays from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh as well as a disciplined bowling performance.
Harleen Deol scored a composed 46 off 65 balls, while Ghosh made a significant impact with a quickfire 35 off 20 balls. This effort guided India to 247 all out, a challenging target after a curious toss confusion where the official mistakenly awarded the toss to Pakistan.
Pakistan opted to bowl first, which proved to be a costly decision. India started their innings on a shaky note, losing early wickets. The initial thrust came from Kranti Gaud, who bowled brilliantly, achieving figures of 3/20, dismantling Pakistan’s top order.
Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Shree Charani (2/38) contributed significantly, tying down Pakistan’s batting as they mounted pressure over the middle and lower order. Despite a resilient knock from Pakistan’s opener Sidra Amin, who scored 81 off 106, the team faltered and crumbled to 159 all out in 43 overs. This match extended India’s unbeaten ODI record against Pakistan to 12-0.
The match showcased plenty of drama. A tossed blunder, a bizarre run-out situation, and even a 15-minute delay due to an insect invasion kept the spectators on the edge of their seats. India’s “no-handshake” policy continued to protest lingering tensions between the teams.
The chase for Pakistan began on a disastrous note as Muneeba Ali made a comical exit, run out by a direct hit from Sharma after she stepped out of her crease following a narrow escape from an LBW appeal. Pakistan was quickly reduced to 26/3 as Gaud took out Sadaf Shamas (6) and Aliya Riaz (2).
Despite resistance from Amin and Natalia Pervaiz (33), who put together a 69-run partnership, their efforts proved insufficient as the rest of the batting lineup fell apart.
In a disjointed Indian innings, Pratika Rawal laid the foundation with a brisk 31, showcasing her attacking style with three consecutive fours off Diana Baig. However, Smriti Mandhana departed early for 23, falling to Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana (2/38). Baig impressed with bowling figures of 4/69 as she mixed up her deliveries and kept the Indian batters in check.
Partnerships between Deol with Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32) propelled India forward, but the middle overs were challenging. Just when Pakistan seemed to have everything under control, Richa Ghosh ignited the innings, smashing three fours and two sixes, propelling the team closer to the target of 250.
After Ghosh’s explosive cameo, the bowlers executed their plans flawlessly, bundling out Pakistan quickly and accomplishing a dominant victory.
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.
