India Thrash Pakistan by 88 Runs to Stay Unbeaten in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
India underlined their dominance in women’s cricket once again, defeating Pakistan by 88 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on Sunday to secure their second straight win of the tournament. The comprehensive victory at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium also kept India unbeaten, while Pakistan suffered their second consecutive defeat, leaving them with much to do in the group stage.
After being bowled out for 247 — their highest Women’s ODI total without a fifty — India’s bowlers produced a clinical performance to dismiss Pakistan and seal the win in style.
Pakistan’s Struggle Despite Sidra Amin’s Heroics
Chasing 248, Pakistan once again found themselves in early trouble against India’s disciplined pace attack. Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud exploited the conditions perfectly, moving the ball both ways to dismantle Pakistan’s top order within the first powerplay.
Pakistan’s hopes briefly rose when Sidra Amin showcased resilience with a superb 81 off 106 balls, including nine fours and a six. Partnering with Natalia Pervaiz (33 off 46), Amin added a 64-run stand that steadied the innings after a shaky start. However, once the partnership was broken, India’s bowlers tightened the screws again.
Renuka Singh’s relentless spell, supported by Deepti Sharma’s control and Kranti Gaud’s aggression, ensured Pakistan never recovered momentum. Deepti then struck a decisive blow by bowling Rameen Shamim, and from there, the collapse was inevitable.
Despite some lapses in India’s fielding — including missed catches and a few misjudged LBW reviews by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh — the bowlers’ consistency kept Pakistan on the back foot. Amin’s dismissal effectively ended Pakistan’s resistance as they were bowled out well short of the target, continuing their winless run against India in Women’s World Cup history.
India’s Mixed Batting Display
Earlier, Pakistan made history by bowling India out for the first time in a Women’s ODI, but the total of 247 in 50 overs proved more than enough.
India’s innings didn’t feature any standout knocks but was built on several steady contributions. Pratika Rawal (31 off 37) and Smriti Mandhana (23 off 32) provided a promising start with a 48-run opening stand, laying the foundation for the middle order.
The middle order offered depth but no big partnerships. Harleen Deol (46), Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deepti Sharma (25), and Sneh Rana (20) all got starts yet failed to convert them into fifties. When India slipped to 203/7 in the 46th over, it seemed Pakistan might restrict them below 230.
But Richa Ghosh changed the tone with a brilliant late cameo — smashing 35 off just 20 balls with three fours and two sixes. Her fearless hitting lifted India to 247, giving their bowlers a strong total to defend.
Interestingly, this was India’s highest-ever Women’s ODI total without a single half-century, surpassing their 227 against New Zealand in Ahmedabad last year.
The innings, however, also highlighted areas for improvement — India faced 173 dot balls, the highest in this World Cup so far and their second-most in ODIs since 2023.
Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
For Pakistan, the standout performer was Diana Baig, who delivered a brilliant spell of 4/69 in 10 overs — the best-ever figures by a Pakistan pacer in a Women’s World Cup match. Sadia Iqbal (2/47) and skipper Fatima Sana (2/38) supported her with important breakthroughs, ensuring India didn’t run away with the innings.
Yet, Pakistan’s batters couldn’t back up their bowlers’ hard work, collapsing under pressure once again against their fiercest rivals.
Looking Ahead
With two wins from two matches, India sit firmly among the tournament’s early leaders, showcasing balance and confidence across all departments. Pakistan, meanwhile, face an uphill task to stay in contention after two successive losses.
As the World Cup progresses, India’s blend of youth and experience — anchored by players like Deepti Sharma, Mandhana, and Richa Ghosh — looks poised to mount a serious challenge for the title.