In the fiercely contested arena of the ICC Women`s World Cup, a familiar script unfolded in Colombo as the Indian women`s cricket team delivered a commanding 88-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. This triumph not only solidified India`s perfect 12-0 head-to-head record in ODIs against Pakistan but also showcased a blend of strategic batting, disciplined bowling, and a dash of on-field theatrics.
The Toss, the Pitch, and India`s Resilience
The day began with an amusing, albeit slightly concerning, administrative quirk: the match referee erroneously called the toss in favor of Pakistan, who, perhaps unsurprisingly, chose to field first on what proved to be a sluggish track. This decision put India to the test immediately, challenging their batters to navigate a surface that offered little rhythm.
India’s innings of 247 runs was a testament to composure and timely aggression. Opener Pratika Rawal provided a brisk start, but it was Harleen Deol`s composed 46 off 65 balls that anchored the middle overs, providing much-needed stability. Partnering first with Harmanpreet (19) and then Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deol meticulously built partnerships, laying a crucial foundation. However, the Pakistani bowlers, particularly Diana Baig (4/69) and Fatima Sana (2/38), maintained tight lines, chipping away at regular intervals and preventing any batter from fully dominating.
Richa Ghosh`s Explosive Finale
Just when it seemed Pakistan had successfully reined in India`s scoring momentum, a young dynamo stepped up. Richa Ghosh unleashed a blistering cameo, smashing 35 runs off just 20 balls, including three fours and two audacious sixes. Her late-innings fireworks propelled India to a competitive total, proving that sometimes, a short, sharp burst is more impactful than a lengthy slog. This timely acceleration ensured India had a formidable target to defend.
Pakistan`s Rocky Chase and India`s Clinical Bowling
Chasing 248, Pakistan`s innings began with an instant dose of drama. Opener Muneeba Ali was dismissed in a bizarre run-out by a vigilant Deepti Sharma. This moment of individual brilliance, where Muneeba was caught out of her crease with her bat in the air, set a chaotic tone for the chase.
Pakistan was eventually bundled out for 159 runs.
Pacer Kranti Gaud then delivered crucial blows, dismantling Pakistan`s top order with a fantastic spell of 3 wickets for just 20 runs. She quickly removed Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26/3. While Sidra Amin fought valiantly with 81 off 106 balls, supported briefly by Natalia Pervaiz (33), the Indian spin attack, combined with sustained pressure from the pacers, systematically cleaned up the middle order and tail. Sidra’s innings, though impressive, was ultimately a lone hand against a determined Indian bowling unit.
A Match Not Without Its Peculiarities
Beyond the ebb and flow of cricketing action, this particular India-Pakistan encounter was peppered with moments that added to its unique flavor. The aforementioned erroneous toss, for instance, set a precedent for minor eccentricities.
India`s consistent `no-handshake` policy, observed at the toss and post-match, continued its quiet tradition, reflecting a certain strategic distance maintained by the team. Then, as if cricket needed more unscheduled breaks, a 15-minute delay was necessitated by a swarm of bugs invading the field. One could almost imagine the players wondering if nature itself was trying to add a new challenge to the game. These incidents, while not impacting the outcome directly, certainly etched this match into the annals of `memorable oddities.`
The Unbroken Streak: 12-0 and Counting
With this resounding 88-run victory, India extended their flawless record against Pakistan in ODIs to an astounding 12-0. This streak isn`t just a number; it speaks volumes about India`s consistent dominance and superior execution in these high-stakes encounters. Each win further solidifies their position, not just as fierce competitors, but as a team that consistently rises to the occasion against their traditional rivals.
The ICC Women`s World Cup continues, but for India, this victory in Colombo was more than just two points; it was a powerful statement of intent, brimming with individual brilliance, team cohesion, and a flair for the dramatic, both planned and unplanned.
