The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 witnessed another high-voltage clash as India Women extended their dominance over arch-rivals Pakistan Women, sealing a comprehensive 88-run victory in Colombo. It was a contest that had everything — disciplined bowling, a composed middle-order display, and a game-turning spell from Kranti Goud that dismantled Pakistan’s chase.
Asked to bat first, India posted a competitive 247 in 50 overs. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, solid partnerships through the middle kept them afloat. Harleen Deol (46 off 65) anchored the innings, while Richa Ghosh’s explosive unbeaten cameo (35* off 20) provided a late flourish. In reply, Pakistan faltered against India’s all-round bowling effort, eventually folding for 159 in 43 overs, as Kranti Goud’s dream spell of 3/20 from her 10 overs blew away the middle order.
Highlights from the match:
Richa Ghosh – 35* (20)
Richa Ghosh once again proved why she’s India’s designated finisher. Walking in during the 43rd over, she counterattacked fearlessly, smashing 3 fours and 2 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 175.00. Her unbeaten 35 off just 20 balls lifted India from 203/7 to 247/10, ensuring the team had a defendable total. Her late assault on Pakistan’s pacers turned momentum firmly India’s way.
Fatima Sana – 10-2-38-2
Fatima Sana was Pakistan’s most economical bowler, finishing with 2/38 in her 10 overs. She struck early to dismiss Smriti Mandhana and later broke a dangerous stand by removing Sneh Rana. Her ability to maintain tight lines through the middle overs kept India from running away with the game, giving Pakistan a fighting chance heading into the chase.
Sidra Amin – 81 (106)
Sidra Amin stood tall amid Pakistan’s collapse with a fighting 81 off 106 balls, hitting 9 fours and 1 six. She displayed tremendous composure, holding one end together even as wickets tumbled around her. Sidra’s innings was a blend of patience and class, and though she single-handedly carried Pakistan’s batting, her dismissal at 150 marked the end of Pakistan’s resistance.
Kranti Goud – 10-3-20-3
Making her mark on the biggest stage, Kranti Goud produced a spell for the ages. Bowling with precision and control, she returned 3/20 in 10 overs at an economy of just 2.00. Her dismissals of Natalia Pervaiz, Aliya Riaz, and Sadaf Shamas dismantled Pakistan’s top order and swung the match decisively in India’s favor. For her game-changing impact, Kranti Goud was deservedly named the Player of the Match.
Deepti Sharma – 9-0-45-3 & 25 (33)
A dependable all-round effort from Deepti Sharma further solidified India’s control. With the bat, she added a steady 25 off 33 balls, stabilizing the innings after a mini collapse. Then with her sharp presence of mind she sent back Muneeba Ali. With the ball, her flight and accuracy yielded 3 wickets, including the dangerous Fatima Sana, Rameen Shamim and Sadia Iqbal. Deepti’s dual contribution underlined her value as India’s all-round backbone.
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