India women’s cricket team showed remarkable prowess in a riveting ICC Women’s World Cup match, defeating Pakistan by 88 runs at the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday. Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh starred with the bat, while the bowlers continued their fine form, maintaining India’s dominance in women’s ODI cricket.
The match began controversially when a toss confusion led to Pakistan electing to bowl first. India managed to post a total of 247 runs after being put in to bat, showcasing a thoughtful batting strategy, with Deol’s composed 46 off 65 balls and Ghosh’s explosive contribution of 35 off 20 balls being pivotal.
Pacer Kranti Gaud led the charge in the bowling department, claiming 3 wickets for just 20 runs and dismantling the Pakistani top order. Alongside her, Deepti Sharma also made significant inroads, getting 3 wickets for 45 runs, while Shree Charani chipped in with 2 wickets for 38 runs.
Despite an impressive 81 off 106 balls from opener Sidra Amin, Pakistan capitulated for 159 runs in just 43 overs, failing to build partnerships that could have aided their chase. This defeat extended India’s unbeaten ODI record against Pakistan to a stunning 12-0.
The match was packed with drama; a rigid “no-handshake” policy during play added tension, while the field experienced a surprising 15-minute delay due to a swarm of bugs. Pakistan’s innings began poorly when Muneeba Ali was run out in an uncharacteristic style, which set the tone for the rest of the innings.
Gaud wasted no time tearing through the Pakistan line-up, dismissing Sadaf Shamas (6) and Aliya Riaz (2) in a flurry of deliveries that left Pakistan reeling at 26 for 3. Amin and Natalia Pervaiz, who scored 33 runs, offered a momentary glimmer of hope with their 69-run partnership. However, once that partnership collapsed, the remaining batsmen could not resist.
On the Indian side, the innings revolved around the solid foundation laid by Deol, supported well by Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32). After a brisk start from Pratika Rawal (31), who hit three consecutive boundaries off Diana Baig, India’s innings faced challenges from Pakistan’s bowlers, particularly Baig who ended with figures of 4 for 69, alongside Fatima Sana’s 2 for 38.
As the innings approached its closure, Richa Ghosh displayed her intention to accelerate the score, hitting three fours and two sixes, setting India close to a challenging total for Pakistan. The Indian bowlers then went to work with surgical precision, leading to a clinching victory.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 247 all out in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Diana Baig 4/69, Fatima Sana 2/38).
Pakistan Women: 159 all out in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81; Kranti Gaud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45, Shree Charani 2/38).
Result: India won by 88 runs, proving their mettle in women’s international cricket.
