The ICC Women’s World Cup is just round the corner with the mega event kick-starting on March 4, 2022 in New Zealand. A total of eight teams will feature in the marquee competition. India will take on Pakistan on March 6 at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. This will be the fourth match of the tournament, but a series opener for both sides.
While the Indian men’s team received a thrashing from Pakistan in the opening game of the ICC World T20 2021, can the Women in Blue compensate for the loss and bring back the smile on the faces of Indian fans?
So far, India women and Pakistan women have played 10 ODIs against each other between 2005 and 2017. India have dominated the duel winning all 10 matches. As all eyes will be set on this enthralling encounter, let’s have a look at top five matches played between these two teams.
India vs Pakistan – December 30, 2005, Karachi
India and Pakistan played against each other for the very first time in 2005. The two sides met during the Asia Cup. Batting first, India scored a mammoth 289-2 in 50 overs, riding on opening batter Jaya Sharma’s unbeaten century. In reply, India bundled out Pakistan for a paltry 96 in 41.4 overs, courtesy of a disciplined bowling effort by the Women in Blue. Neetu David was the pick of the bowlers scalping 3-7 in her 7.4 overs, including five maidens. For Pakistan, Asmavia Iqbal and Sana Mir were among the wickets picking up one each and with the bat, Tasqeen Qadeer top scored with 21 runs.
India vs Pakistan – May 5, 2008, Kurunegala
During the 2008 Asia Cup, India and Pakistan locked horns against each other, in which India emerged victorious as India eves handed a comprehensive 182-run defeat to Pakistan. Asha Rawat (69) and Rumeli Dhar (92 not out) were the top performers with the bat helping India post 275-7 in 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan were dwindled down to 93-9, with Gouher Sultana claiming 3-9 in her 10 overs, including seven maidens. For Pakistan, Sajjida Shah top-scored with 16 runs, while Asmavia Iqbal and Sana Mir picked up two wickets each.
India vs Pakistan – May 9, 2008, Dambulla
In this match between India and Pakistan, India registered its largest victory margin over Pakistan. India won the match by 207 runs, after scoring 283-3 in the first innings and then bowling out Pakistan for just 76 runs. There were three half centurions for India in that match, with Jaya Sharma muscling 74, Mithali Raj mustering 62 not out and Rumeli Dhar smashing 51 not out. With the ball, Snehal Pradhan and Neetu David were the wreckers-in-chief as they accounted for three wickets apiece. For Pakistan, Javeria Khan top scored with 20, while Sana Mir and Urooj Mumtaz struck with one wicket each.
India vs Pakistan – February 7, 2013, Cuttack
Apart from their meetings in the Asia Cup, India and Pakistan have clashed against each other in the ICC World Cup events. While India have registered some of the largest wins against Pakistan, they have had some close games against the same opposition. During their encounter in the 2013 World Cup, India managed to win a thrilling contest with 24 balls to spare as they chased down 193, winning the match by six wickets. Niranjana Nagarajan with three wickets and Mithali Raj with an unbeaten 103 steered India’s win. While for Pakistan, Nain Abidi (58) and Nida Dar’s (68 not out) half centuries went in vain.
India vs Pakistan – July 2, 2017, Derby
This match was the last encounter between India and Pakistan. They met during the ICC World Cup 2017 in England. India registered their 10th consecutive win against Pakistan as they won the match by 95 runs. While India posted 169-9 in 50 overs, Pakistan were bundled out for a mere 74. India’ Ekta Bisht struck with a five-wicket haul, while Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu scalped a four-fer. With the bat, Punam Raut (47) top-scored for India, while for Pakistan, captain Sana Mir (29) was the most successful batter.
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
