The sixth fixture of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises a blockbuster encounter as arch-rivals India and Pakistan face off on October 5th at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match begins at 3:00 PM IST, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament. Both teams enter this contest with contrasting starts to their campaigns — India with a commanding win and Pakistan still searching for momentum.
India began their campaign on a resilient note against Sri Lanka. After being reduced to 124/6, a crucial 103-run partnership between Amanjot Kaur (57 off 56) and Deepti Sharma (53 off 53) revived their innings, while a fiery cameo from Sneh Rana (28* off 15) lifted India to 271 (DLS). The bowlers then took charge — Deepti (3/54) and Rana (2/32) leading the way — as India bundled out Sri Lanka for 211 to secure a 59-run win.
Pakistan, meanwhile, endured a difficult start against Bangladesh. Their batting faltered, collapsing for just 129 runs with Rameen Shamim (23 off 30) and Fatima Sana (22 off 33) being the only ones showing resistance. Despite a disciplined spell from Diana Baig (1/14 in 8 overs, including 3 maidens), Pakistan succumbed to a seven-wicket defeat and will now aim to bounce back against their fiercest rivals.
Squads:
India Women’s Cricket Team
Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (WK), Kranti Goud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Uma Chetry (WK), Sneh Rana
Pakistan Women’s Cricket Team
Fatima Sana (C), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (VC), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah
Players to watch out:
Jemimah Rodrigues
After a rare failure in her debut World Cup outing (0 vs Sri Lanka), Jemimah will be eager to make amends in the high-voltage clash. With 1457 runs in 52 ODIs, including a century and five wickets with her part-time spin, Rodrigues’ classy strokeplay could be pivotal for India.
Sneh Rana
The all-rounder was India’s standout performer in the opener. Her explosive 28* off 15 lifted the innings, and with the ball, she bowled smartly to pick up 2/32. Across 39 ODIs, she boasts 52 wickets (best 5/43) and handy batting returns, making her a key match-winner.
Muneeba Ali Siddiqui
Despite scoring only 17 in the opener, Muneeba’s form this year has been promising. With 1327 runs in 53 ODIs, including a century, her ability to anchor the innings will be vital if Pakistan are to challenge India’s bowling attack.
Diana Baig
Pakistan’s most disciplined performer against Bangladesh, Diana’s 8-over spell for just 14 runs showcased her control and accuracy. She also chipped in with an unbeaten 16 at the tail. In 66 ODIs, she has taken 57 wickets (best 4/30) and is capable of contributing valuable lower order runs.
Pitch:
The R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally offers assistance to batters early on, with an average first-innings total near 288. As the match progresses, spinners come into play — especially under lights — making middle-overs control crucial. Teams may prefer bowling first to exploit early moisture and chase comfortably under the lights.
Weather:
Expect scattered thunderstorms in Colombo with temperatures around 29°C and humidity touching 74%. There’s a 50% chance of rain, which could cause brief interruptions. A gentle 14 kph breeze might aid swing bowlers in the early overs.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Harleen Deol, Fatima Sana, Sidra Amin, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Diana Baig
Match Details:
Date – October 5, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Broadcast – Live on Star Sports Network | Streaming on JioHotstar
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