As the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 continues to unfold across India and Sri Lanka, all eyes now shift to Colombo for one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures, India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, taking on arch-rivals Pakistan, captained by Fatima Sana, in Match 6 at the R. Premadasa Stadium from 3 PM IST on Sunday, 5th October 2025.
With India starting their campaign on a winning note and Pakistan seeking to bounce back from a disappointing opening loss, the weather conditions in Colombo could add another layer of drama to this high-voltage encounter, as forecasts hint at potential rain interruptions throughout the day.
Weather Outlook for Colombo
Sunday’s forecast for Colombo suggests humid and overcast conditions dominating the afternoon and evening sessions. Temperatures are expected to range between 25°C and 29°C, creating sultry playing conditions under heavy cloud cover. The humidity levels will hover above 80%, ensuring that players face a physically demanding day in the field.
Meteorological reports indicate patchy rain in the morning and early afternoon, with light showers developing later in the day, potentially during match hours. Winds are likely to pick up towards the evening, reaching up to 19 km/h, which could influence swing bowling in the powerplay overs. Overall, the threat of intermittent rain looms large, and teams may need to adapt to potential stoppages and a slower, moisture-laden outfield that could dampen boundary-hitting opportunities.
India’s Momentum and Form Guide
India enters this encounter with strong momentum, having begun their World Cup campaign in style. In the tournament opener on 30th September 2025 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs in a rain-curtailed contest. That win not only set the tone for their campaign but also highlighted their adaptability to weather-affected games.
Under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, making her fifth World Cup appearance and first as captain, India have shown a balanced mix of experienced performers and emerging talent. Looking at their recent ODI form, the Women in Blue have won three of their last five matches, with both defeats coming against an in-form Australian side led by Alyssa Healy in the pre-World Cup series. The team’s batting depth and all-round balance position them well for another dominant performance, provided weather interruptions don’t curb their momentum.
Pakistan’s Search for a Turnaround
Pakistan, in contrast, will be under pressure to reclaim rhythm after a seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in their tournament opener on 2nd October 2025 at the same venue, Colombo. Fatima Sana, leading Pakistan in her maiden World Cup as skipper, will be eager for her side to deliver with greater consistency, particularly in the batting department.
In their last five ODIs (including this campaign), Pakistan have won two matches, one each against South Africa and Bangladesh, but have struggled for sustained performances. Their ability to adapt to Colombo’s humid conditions and capitalise on bowling-friendly conditions, particularly under overcast skies, could determine how competitive they remain against an in-form Indian unit.
Head-to-Head Record: India’s Dominance Continues.
When it comes to India vs Pakistan in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, history has been one-sided. India has won all four of their encounters against Pakistan in the tournament’s history. Extending beyond World Cup battles, the overall ODI record tells the same story: India boasts a perfect 11-0 record over Pakistan in the format.
This remarkable dominance adds to India’s psychological edge heading into Sunday’s encounter, though both teams know that Colombo’s unpredictable weather could level the playing field if conditions favour bowling disruptions or a reduced-over chase.
What to Expect on Match Day
Given the weather outlook, captains may prefer to bowl first should the toss be delayed or skies remain heavily overcast, aiming to exploit early movement with the new ball. However, the damp surface might also slow down as the match progresses, giving spinners a crucial role in the middle overs. Teams will need flexibility in their approach, with reserve bowlers and adaptable batting orders key to handling potential rain-shortened scenarios.
For spectators and fans, the excitement of an India-Pakistan World Cup clash remains unmatched, even as the weather threatens to intervene. The hope remains that the showers stay light enough to allow a full contest between two proud cricketing nations, one seeking to maintain its dominance, the other determined to script history with a long-awaited win.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.