When Harmanpreet Kaur, captain of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, led her side to an 88‑run triumph over Pakistan women's cricket team on October 5, 2025, the stadium buzzed with its usual electric rivalry.
The showdown unfolded at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, as part of ICC Women's World Cup 2025 – Match 6R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. The match kicked off at 3:00 PM Indian Standard Time, and from the first ball the Indian side looked intent on extending a flawless 12‑0 ODI record against their arch‑rivals.
Match Overview and Immediate Impact
India posted a total of 210 / 6, thanks to a brisk 62 from opener Smriti Mandhana and a vital 48‑run cameo by all‑rounder Deepti Sharma. In response, Pakistan were skittled for 122, with only 30 runs coming after the powerplay. The 88‑run margin wasn’t just a number; it underscored India’s depth in batting, pace, and fielding on a pitch that offered a little turn for spinners.
How India Set the Stage: The Opening Victory
Just a week earlier, India eased past co‑hosts Sri Lanka by 59 runs. That win had already boosted morale, and the team walked into Colombo with a clear game plan: build partnerships, rotate the strike, and let the bowlers attack. The strategy paid off when Renuka Singh ripped through the Pakistani top order, grabbing 3 / 28 in her 7‑over spell.
Pakistan’s Road to Colombo: A Troubled Start
Pakistan arrived in Colombo nursing a bruising 8‑run loss to Bangladesh on October 2. The defeat was described by local media as a "humiliating loss," putting the team under pressure to salvage points. The squad, overseen by the Pakistan Cricket Board, tried to regroup, but the early wickets fell to disciplined Indian seamers.
Key Performances That Turned the Tide
- Smriti Mandhana – 62 runs off 55 balls, including four fours and three sixes; her innings set a solid platform.
- Deepti Sharma – 48 runs, a mixture of patient defense and aggressive slogging; she also bowled 4 overs for just 12 runs.
- Renuka Singh – 3 wickets for 28 runs; her pace and late swing baffled Pakistani batters.
- Pakistani captain Nida Dar – top‑scored with 28 but fell to a caught‑behind off Singh.
Post‑match, former India star Jhulan Kaur praised the team's composure: "The way they handled the pressure in the middle overs shows a maturity that will serve them well in the knockout stages."
What This Means for Group A and Beyond
India now sits atop Group A with two wins, securing a net‑run‑rate advantage that could prove decisive if the group becomes tightly contested. Pakistan, meanwhile, sits at the bottom with zero points, making their next match against Australia a must‑win if they hope to stay alive.
Analysts note that the 88‑run margin mirrors the 2022 Women's Asia Cup final, where India also won comfortably against Pakistan. The pattern suggests a widening gap in development pathways, especially in fast‑bowling depth.
Future Implications and Next Steps
India’s next challenge comes against England on October 10. A win there would virtually guarantee a semifinal berth. For Pakistan, the focus will be on restoring confidence ahead of the Australia clash on October 12.
These early group‑stage results also feed into the broader conversation about women’s cricket funding in the sub‑continent. The BCCI has pledged an additional $5 million for grassroots programs, a move that could further widen the performance chasm.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect India's chances of reaching the semifinals?
With two wins and a healthy net‑run‑rate, India sits atop Group A. Even if they lose their next match, the points cushion makes a semifinal spot highly probable, especially given the tournament’s format where the top two teams advance.
What were the standout statistics from the match?
India posted 210/6, with Mandhana scoring 62 and Sharma adding 48. Renuka Singh claimed 3/28, while Pakistan managed only 122 all‑out. The 88‑run margin is the largest win India has recorded against Pakistan in a Women’s World Cup fixture.
Why has Pakistan struggled in the tournament so far?
A combination of a shaky opening loss to Bangladesh and a thin fast‑bowling stock left them vulnerable against India’s disciplined pace attack. Coaching staff cited a lack of match‑sharpness and the need for better middle‑order stability.
When is the next match for each team?
India faces England on October 10, 2025, at the same venue. Pakistan’s next encounter is against Australia on October 12, 2025, also at R. Premadasa Stadium.
What does this match indicate about the growing gap in women’s cricket in South Asia?
The result underscores how India’s increased investment, professional leagues, and stronger domestic structure are translating into international dominance. Pakistan’s more modest funding and fewer high‑performance pathways are reflected in the on‑field imbalance.
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ARPITA DAS
October 6, 2025 AT 04:51The result is not just a win; it's a harbinger of India's meteoric ascent in women's cricket. While the headlines scream 88‑run domination, the underlying narrative is a symphony of structural investment, elite training academies, and relentless talent scouting. One could argue that this match simply exposed the widening gap that Pakistan struggles to bridge. The fans in Colombo felt the electricity, but the real story lies in the BCCI's fresh $5 million grassroots pledge. In short, this is just the tip of the iceberg for Indian women's cricket.