CWC25, India vs Pakistan: India continued their unbeaten streak against Pakistan at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, sealing a commanding 88-run win in New Delhi on Sunday. The hosts defended a total of 247 with ruthless efficiency, bowling Pakistan out for just 159 to notch their second consecutive win of the tournament.
Gaud, Sharma and Rana Lead India’s Bowling Charge
Pacers and spinners combined brilliantly for India, with Kranti Gaud (3/20) producing a fiery new-ball spell that ripped through Pakistan’s top order. Deepti Sharma (3/45) built on that momentum with clever variations, while Sneh Rana (2/37) claimed two crucial middle-order wickets, including the dismissal of set batter Sidra Amin.
Pakistan’s chase never truly recovered after early setbacks in the powerplay. Muneeba Ali’s mix-up ended in a direct-hit run-out by Deepti Sharma, before Gaud removed both Sadaf Shams and Aliya Riaz in quick succession.
Sidra Amin Fights Alone in Vain
The lone resistance for Pakistan came from opener Sidra Amin, who battled her way to a composed 81 off 113 balls. Her knock—now the highest individual score by a Pakistan batter against India in Women’s ODIs—kept faint hopes alive, particularly during a 69-run partnership with Natalia Pervaiz.
However, once Rana trapped Amin in the deep, Pakistan’s lower order collapsed. From 139/4, they lost six wickets for just 20 runs, handing India yet another emphatic win in this storied rivalry.
Diana Baig Hits Personal Milestone in Pakistan’s Bowling Effort
Earlier, Pakistan’s bowlers kept themselves in the contest by restricting India to 247 all out. Leading the attack was Diana Baig, who grabbed 4/69 and became just the third Pakistan bowler to claim 100 international wickets across formats. She ended India’s innings by removing Gaud and Renuka Singh in the final overs.
Support came from Sadia Iqbal (2/41) and Fatima Sana (2/44), while Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu chipped in with a wicket apiece.
India’s Batting: Starts But No Big Scores
For India, the innings was built on several useful contributions rather than one standout knock. Harleen Deol (46) top-scored, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (31) and Jemimah Rodrigues (28) steadied the middle order after early wickets.
The late fireworks came from Richa Ghosh, whose unbeaten 35 off just 20 balls pushed India close to the 250 mark despite regular breakthroughs.
Notably, Nashra Sandhu etched her name in history by equalling Sana Mir’s record for the most wickets (17) by a Pakistan bowler in Women’s World Cup matches, when she trapped Rodrigues LBW.
India’s Unbeaten Record Stretches to 12-0
This latest result extends India’s remarkable 12-0 head-to-head record against Pakistan in World Cup history. With two wins from two games, the defending champions look well on course for another strong campaign.
For Pakistan, back-to-back defeats leave their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread. While Sidra Amin’s batting heroics offer encouragement, the lack of consistent partnerships continues to hurt their progress at the biggest stage.