In Colombo, the Indian women’s cricket team produced a commanding performance to defeat Pakistan by 88 runs, extending their unblemished 12-0 record in One-Day Internationals against their arch-rivals. The match combined dominance, controversy, and symbolism — a reflection of how Indo-Pak contests continue to transcend the sport itself.
Batting first after a slightly chaotic toss that saw confusion over the coin call, India posted 247 in 50 overs. Harleen Deol led the effort with a composed 46, anchoring the innings after early wickets. Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 35 off 20 balls provided late momentum, as India added valuable runs in the death overs. Despite no single player crossing fifty, consistent partnerships across the order ensured India reached a defendable total on a tricky surface.
Pakistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by Diana Baig who claimed 4 for 69, created occasional breakthroughs but failed to contain India’s lower order. The final overs tilted the momentum decisively in India’s favor, setting the tone for what followed.
Pakistan’s chase never gathered stability. Opener Sidra Amin fought valiantly for her 81 but lacked support from the other end. Regular wickets kept India ahead, and their bowlers exploited the slow Colombo surface with precision. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud both took three wickets apiece, dismantling Pakistan’s middle order through a mix of discipline and control. By the time Pakistan crossed 150, the game had effectively slipped away, and they were bowled out for 159.
The match wasn’t without drama. Before the first ball was bowled, the absence of the traditional handshake between captains drew attention — a continuation of India’s quiet policy to minimize ceremonial exchanges with Pakistan amid ongoing political sensitivities. The awkward coin-toss confusion added to the tension, and during the game, a sharp throw from Deepti Sharma struck a Pakistani batter, momentarily heightening emotions on the field. Though unintentional, the incident sparked chatter online, with fans dissecting every frame.
Despite the friction, India’s professionalism remained evident. Their fielding intensity and calm execution underlined a team confident in both skill and temperament. This win was not just another statistical entry — it was a reaffirmation of India’s dominance in the rivalry. Twelve encounters, twelve victories — a record that now feels psychological as much as statistical.
Pakistan, though spirited in moments, continue to fall short in execution against India, often undone by collapses under pressure and lack of middle-order consistency. For India, the result strengthens their World Cup campaign and reinforces their status as one of the tournament’s most balanced teams.
By the end of the match, the scoreboard read a familiar story — India victorious, Pakistan dejected. Yet beyond the numbers, this was another chapter in a rivalry that remains charged by pride, politics, and emotion. India didn’t just beat Pakistan; they extended an era of dominance that shows no sign of fading.
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