India clinched a commanding 88-run victory over Pakistan in the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday. The match took place at the picturesque grounds of the ICC Women’s World Cup, igniting enthusiasm among cricket fans across India and Pakistan.
The framework of the game featured stellar performances from Harleen Deol, who scored a steady 46 off 65 balls, and Richa Ghosh, whose explosive innings of 35 off 20 balls propelled India to a challenging total of 247 all out.
The day started under uncertain circumstances, with a toss confusion leading to Pakistan opting to bowl first. This blunder didn’t derail India’s plans as they managed to post a competitive score despite the sluggish pitch.
India’s bowling was spearheaded by pace sensation Kranti Gaud, who dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup with figures of 3/20. She quickly made her mark by sending Pakistan’s key players back to the pavilion. Alongside her, Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Shree Charani (2/38) provided critical support, spinning Pakistan’s middle order into disarray.
Despite a valiant effort from Pakistan’s opener Sidra Amin, who scored 81 off 106 balls, the team faltered, succumbing to a total of 159 in 43 overs. This loss extended India’s unbeaten record in ODIs against Pakistan to an impressive 12-0.
The match unfolded with numerous twists, including a bizarre run-out and a delay caused by a swarm of bugs. Additionally, India maintained their “no-handshake” policy throughout the match, intensifying the rivalry between the teams.
Pakistan’s innings began poorly as Muneeba Alidirect hit from Deepti Sharma. This early setback rattled the Pakistani lineup, leaving them in dire straits at 26/3 after Gaud promptly dismissed Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz.
Although Amin and Natalia Pervaiz (33) forged a 69-run partnership to offer fleeting hope, their dismissal opened the floodgates, and Pakistan crumbled. India’s bowlers, led by Gaud, exhibited sheer precision and aggression – crucial in a tournament of such magnitude.
Examining India’s innings, Deol’s composed approach and Richa’s explosive display formed the backbone of their batting strategy. Pratika Rawal contributed with a brisk 31, hitting three consecutive fours off Diana Baig, while Smriti Mandhana struggled to find her rhythm with just 23.
Baig, who ended with impressive figures of 4/69, along with captain Fatima Sana (2/38), put India under pressure, causing frequent breakthroughs. However, India’s lower order, with notable contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32), kept the scoreboard ticking.
As the innings progressed towards its conclusion, Richa Ghosh swung momentum back in India’s favor. Her quick-fire batting, which included multiple boundaries and sixes, put added pressure on the Pakistan bowlers.
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.
