The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025’s biggest fixture—India vs Pakistan—delivered far more than just cricketing fireworks in Colombo. In a match already supercharged by history and rivalry, fans witnessed gritty performances, controversial reviews, bug invasions, and record-seeking milestones. Here’s an all-highlights wrap on how India held their nerve against Pakistan, in a game trending across Indian news, social, and every cricket-loving home.
1. Stifling Start and Early Drama
Colombo’s humidity and a slow outfield made stroke-making a tough challenge. Indian openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal gave a brisk start, stringing together a 48-run partnership. Rawal, especially, impressed with consecutive boundaries, but Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Diana Baig and Fatima Sana, quickly put the brakes on.
Mandhana’s early dismissal (LBW for 23) via a sharp inswinger and a lost review marked the first flashpoint of the day. With regular wickets tumbling, India were 106/3 inside 25 overs, their famed top order unable to convert starts into big scores.
2. Middle Overs: The Grip of Spin and Dot Ball Pressure
Pakistan’s spinners, Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, created a web of dot balls, ramping up pressure as India crawled to 100 in 22 overs. Batters like Harleen Deol (46) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32) rebuilt the innings, their partnership the highest of the day, but the run rate barely budged above four.
Continuous dot balls and a mixture of cautious and confused running between wickets saw both set batters fall short of their fifties—a trend that plagued the Indian innings.
3. Interruptions and Bizarre Breaks: ‘Bug Fumigation’ Halts Play
As the contest reached its midway point, something truly bizarre happened—play was stopped for 15+ minutes due to a bug infestation! Swarms of insects forced players to leave the field while officials in protective gear fumigated the pitch and field. Social media immediately exploded with memes and jokes, as fans and commentators called it one of the “quirkiest” breaks in international cricket.
Pakistani skipper Fatima Sana was even seen wielding bug spray herself earlier. The unexpected pause gave both teams time to regroup before the tense finish.
4. Lower-Order Surge: Ghosh Ignites Late Fireworks
Towards the end, wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh turned the momentum in India’s favour with an explosive 35 off just 20 balls. Batting at No. 8, she tore into Pakistan’s pacers, striking two sixes and three boundaries, lifting India from an “average” total to a competitive 247 all out in 50 overs.
Diana Baig starred for Pakistan with the ball, taking 4 wickets, but India’s depth rescued the innings.
5. Pakistan’s Chase Begins Under Pressure
Chasing 248 to clinch their first Women’s ODI win over India, Pakistan’s openers started extremely cautiously, managing just 5 runs after 3 overs. Indian pacers Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud bowled very tight lines, leaving Pakistani batters searching for singles.
The early nerves could be felt through every dot ball—Pakistan know they have never successfully chased more than 200 against India in Women’s ODIs, and all pressure is magnified by the tournament context and fans’ expectations.
6. Social & Off-Field Talking Points
11-0 Streak in Spotlight: India’s unblemished record in World Cup and ODI matches against Pakistan became a viral talking point. Even Indian men’s T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav quipped, “11-0 is not a rivalry!”—a comment widely shared on social platforms and TV shows, adding fuel to the competitive fire.
Weather & Pitch: Though dark clouds threatened, rain stayed away during the crucial day-night encounter. The pitch, slower than usual, played into India’s spin-heavy bowling strengths—giving them extra edge as the ball continued to grip under lights.
No Handshakes Expected: Due to recent Asia Cup tensions, much of the pre-match narrative was about whether players would shake hands post-game—mirroring men’s teams’ recent standoffs.
7. Key Player Highlights
For India:
Harleen Deol - Top-scored (46) with vital acceleration when others were tied down.
Richa Ghosh - Launched a late onslaught, crucial in crossing 240.
Spinners Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma - Set to be pivotal in the defence.
For Pakistan:
Diana Baig - Led with the ball, grabbing 4 wickets amid fielding pressure.
Fatima Sana - Contributed both with ball and tactical leadership.
Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu - Controlled the run flow, forcing errors from Indian batters.
8. What’s Next?
With Pakistan slowly beginning their chase, all eyes are fixed on whether they will finally crack the 11-0 jinx or if Indian spinners will script yet another chapter of dominance. Momentum, nerves, and news cycles are spinning as the match enters its deciding phase.
This India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup clash delivered not just a sporting contest, but a spectacle: packed with high-pressure moments, quirky interruptions, expert performances, and viral talking points. Cricket fans across India and beyond are glued to screens—not just for records and results, but for these unique twists that only Indo-Pak clashes deliver. Stay tuned; the result may shape headlines for days to come.
