Snehasis Mukherjee in Colombo
The stage is set at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the much-awaited India versus Pakistan match on October 5 (Sunday) in the ongoing ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
However, rain could play a role. On October 4, the Sri Lanka-Australia match was washed out in Colombo. Forecasts suggest more rain on Sunday.
After a 59-run win over Sri Lanka in Guwahati in their first match, India sit fourth on the league table with two points and a healthy net run rate of +1.255. Pakistan, on the other hand, started their campaign with a heavy, seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh and are yet to open their account. They are sixth with a net run rate of -1.623.
Fatima Sana’s side will look to bounce back, and what better stage than against India — a team they have never beaten in ODIs. The political backdrop adds extra spice to this contest, especially after recent tensions during the Men’s Asia Cup.
Over the last three Sundays (September 14, 21, and 28), it was India-Pakistan in the Asia Cup, with the Men in Blue winning all three encounters. Players even refused to shake hands before and after the matches and declined to receive the trophy from Mohsin Naqvi, who serves both as ACC president and PCB chairman.
Now, for a fourth straight Sunday, the rivalry continues — this time in women’s cricket. Reportedly, the Indian women’s team have also been instructed by the BCCI to continue the “no-handshake” stance.
Adding to the drama, a controversy broke out recently when a former cricketer-turned-commentator and an ICC Hall of Famer used the term “Azaad Kashmir” while describing a Pakistani player during their match against Bangladesh. The comment went viral and sparked backlash on social media. Though she later apologised, questions remain whether she will continue commentary duties for the India-Pakistan clash.
Beyond the politics, India’s focus will be on maintaining momentum and improving their net run rate, which could be vital in the race for the semi-finals. They are a vastly superior side to Pakistan.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Overall: 11 matches: India 11, Pakistan 0
- In India: 3 matches: India 3, Pakistan 0
- In Women’s World Cups: 4 matches: India 4, Pakistan 0
Current Form
India
India began their home campaign with a 59-run win over Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Their top six batters struggled, but all-round efforts from Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur rescued the innings. The bowlers stepped up, taking regular wickets to seal a comfortable victory.
Pakistan
It was a tough start for Pakistan against Bangladesh. Batting first, they were bundled out for just 129 and could take only three wickets while defending. Eight of their 10 wickets fell to spin — a worrying sign ahead of facing India’s quality spin attack at the same venue.
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Players to Watch Out For
India
Deepti Sharma
When India were in trouble against Sri Lanka, Deepti stepped up. She scored 53 (53), stitched a crucial 103-run stand with Amanjot Kaur, and later took three wickets.
Her all-round performance earned her the Player of the Match award. Considering Pakistan’s struggles against spin, this off-spinner’s form will be vital. She will look to continue her momentum.
Jemimah Rodrigues
This will be Jemimah Rodrigues’ first ODI against Pakistan. Against Sri Lanka, she registered a golden duck, bowled by a beautifully flighted delivery from Inoka Ranaweera that clipped her off stump.
She will be eager to get off the mark this time. While she has not faced Pakistan in ODIs yet, she has played six T20Is against them, scoring 102 runs including one half-century.
Pakistan
Sidra Amin
A golden duck against Bangladesh was unexpected for Sidra Amin, given her form. Ahead of the World Cup, she scored two centuries and a fifty in a three-match home series against South Africa.
With six centuries, she holds the record for most hundreds by a Pakistani woman in ODIs. Against India, she has 42 runs from two matches. She will be keen to deliver a strong performance this time.
Fatima Sana
Pakistan captain Fatima Sana will aim to lead from the front. Against Bangladesh, she scored 22 and took one wicket. Known for her lower-order power hitting and wicket-taking ability, she was impressive in the warm-up against South Africa, scoring 64 off 75 and taking one wicket. Against India, she has played one ODI so far, where she took one wicket and scored 17 runs.
Probable Playing XIs
India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani.
Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana (capt), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal.
Also Read: CWC 2025: Question marks over Indian XI for Pakistan clash as rain hits optional practice