Pakistan made early inroads in their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against India in Colombo, striking three times to put the hosts under pressure. The biggest breakthrough came when Diana Baig dismissed Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, leaving the innings delicately poised.
Pakistan Dent India’s Top Order
After winning the toss, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana opted to bowl first, a decision that paid dividends quickly. The new-ball pair of Baig and Sadia Iqbal found movement on a helpful surface, unsettling India’s usually reliable top order.
India had looked steady after Smriti Mandhana and debutant Pratika Rawal built a 48-run stand. However, the breakthrough came when Sana trapped Mandhana leg-before, halting the flow of runs. Soon after, Iqbal delivered a sharp in-swinger that breached Rawal’s defence, leaving India two down.
The most decisive moment arrived when Baig bowled one down the leg side, with Harmanpreet attempting to glance it fine. The Indian captain could only edge it to the keeper, cutting short a promising partnership with Harleen Deol.
Context of the Clash
Both teams entered the contest with contrasting fortunes from their opening fixtures. India began their campaign with a confident victory against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, while Pakistan stumbled against Bangladesh and are yet to get off the mark.
The historical head-to-head, however, is lopsided. India have won all 11 previous ODIs against Pakistan in this format, a record that the visitors are eager to rewrite in Colombo.
Team News
Both sides made a single change to their line-ups. Renuka Singh Thakur returned to the Indian XI in place of Amanjot Kaur, while Pakistan brought in Sadaf Shamas for Omaima Sohail.
India XI: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
Pakistan XI: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
With the early dismissal of Harmanpreet, India’s middle order faces the challenge of steadying the ship, while Pakistan will look to tighten their grip and chase their first World Cup win of the campaign.