India convincingly defeated Pakistan by 88 runs in an intense ICC Women’s World Cup match on Sunday at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The victory was propelled by strong performances from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh, alongside a disciplined bowling display by the Indian team.
After winning the toss, confusion arose as the match referee mistakenly awarded the toss to Pakistan, who opted to bowl first on a slow pitch. India managed to post a total of 247 all out in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to Deol’s composed knock of 46 runs off 65 balls and Ghosh’s explosive 35 runs off just 20 balls.
When Pakistan began their chase, they faced immediate setbacks. India’s Kranti Gaud spearheaded the bowling attack with a stunning tally of 3 for 20, disrupting the Pakistani top order right from the start. Fellow bowlers Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani also made significant contributions, claiming 3 for 45 and 2 for 38, respectively, as Pakistan stumbled to 159 all out in 43 overs.
Despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s opener, Sidra Amin, who scored 81 runs off 106 balls, the team struggled to form sustainable partnerships. This marked India’s twelfth consecutive ODI victory against Pakistan, extending their unbeaten record against them.
The match unfolded with more drama than expected. A perplexing toss blunder set the tone for the unfolding tension. In a bizarre incident during the third over, Muneeba Ali was run out in a comical fashion after inadvertently stepping out of her crease, thus squandering a chance to build momentum. A direct hit from Deepti Sharma sealed her fate.
As the Pakistani innings continued, Gaud captured key wickets, dismissing Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz within a brief span, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26/3. Despite a promising recovery with a 69-run partnership between Amin and Natalia Pervaiz, the batting line-up crumbled, and the remaining players failed to put up any solid resistance.
For India, the innings started on a solid note but witnessed intermittent breakthroughs from the Pakistani bowlers. Pratika Rawal contributed a brisk 31 runs, hitting three consecutive fours, while Smriti Mandhana could only manage 23 runs before falling to Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, who recorded figures of 2 for 38.
Yet, it was the combination of Deol’s composure and Ghosh’s explosive finish that gave India a vital advantage. Despite suffering from quick wickets, Richa Ghosh’s aggressive play brought life back into the innings, propelling India closer to 250 with her vibrant performance, which included three fours and two sixes.
Following this commanding win, India stands strong in their ongoing World Cup campaign, showcasing formidable depth in both batting and bowling. The team’s display was a testament to their skill and determination in high-pressure situations, reinforcing their status as serious contenders for the championship.
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.
