India Women Dominate Pakistan in World Cup Clash: Victory, Post-Match Drama

India’s emphatic 88-run win over Pakistan Women on October 5th, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo was more than a contest—it was a showcase of talent, rivalry, and off-field tensions that continue to shape Indo-Pak cricket. This match, the sixth of the ICC Women’s World Cup, delivered everything fans expected: strong performances, crowd drama, and another chapter in the story of diplomatic frost.

Match Outcomes: Clinical India Outclass Pakistan

Batting first after losing the toss, India’s top order showed composure but not overwhelming dominance. Harleen Deol’s 46 kept the scoreboard ticking, while Jemimah Rodrigues contributed 32. Richa Ghosh’s unbeaten 35 off just 20 balls at No. 8 provided the late surge India desperately needed; her innovative strokeplay in the final overs lifted India to 247 all out—the first time ever they’ve been bowled out in an ODI against Pakistan.

Pakistan’s reply was anchored by Sidra Amin, whose 81 gave her team hope during a strong mid-innings stand with Natalia Pervaiz. Once Pervaiz fell, the pressure built: Indian bowlers Kranti Goud (3-20), Deepti Sharma (3-45), and Sneh Rana (2-38) squeezed relentlessly. Wickets tumbled, catches stuck, and India wrapped up Pakistan’s innings for 159 inside 43 overs, notching victory by 88 runs—their 12th straight ODI win against Pakistan.

Team Selection: Depth and Tactical Moves

India’s line-up blended experience and youth. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur stuck with a proven opening pair—Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma—backed by Jemimah at three for stability. The middle order remained flexible: Deol’s anchoring role paid off, while the choice to drop Amanjot Kaur (illness) meant Renuka Singh returned for her swing bowling.

Three spinners—Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana—gave India control in the middle overs, a strategy specifically designed for Colombo’s slower pitch. Fielding was generally sharp, though some missed chances allowed Pakistan limited breathing room.

Pakistan, missing Bismah Maroof from the top order, promoted Sidra Amin to anchor. Nida Dar and Natalia Pervaiz offered resistance, and pace leader Diana Baig flourished, taking four wickets and reminding India that their lower order can be vulnerable. The decision to bowl first was tactical—Fatima Sana hoping to exploit early morning moisture and restrict India below 250.

Key Turning Points & Strengths

• India’s Late Flourish: Richa Ghosh’s 35* from 20 balls was the difference; her inventive shots gave India momentum and pushed the total over a defendable target.

• Sidra Amin’s Anchor and Collapse: Pakistan looked steady at 118/4, but once the partnership broke, they lost six wickets for just 41 runs.

• Bowling Discipline: Kranti Goud’s three-wicket haul, combined with Deepti’s all-round mastery, stifled Pakistan’s chase.

• Fielding Pressure: India’s sharp ground fielding forced run outs and put pressure on Pakistan’s lower order, a marked improvement over past matches.

Post-Match Scene: No Handshake, More Tension

The post-match atmosphere was buzzy but fraught. Fans celebrated on social media and in Colombo’s stands, but on-field gestures told another story: for the third major Indo-Pak fixture in two months, the traditional handshake between captains was skipped at the toss, and not observed afterward. Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana walked out separately, avoided eye contact, and offered only the briefest public remarks before exiting.

This diplomatic chill has its roots in the men’s Asia Cup saga, where Indian players declined to accept the trophy from the Pakistani Cricket Board chief and skipped the handshake ritual after matches. The trend spilled over into the women’s event. Match referee errors at the toss (confusion over coin call) only fueled further social debate, while BCCI and PCB maintained stony silence in press conferences.

The After-Effect: Rivalry Beyond Cricket

It’s clear the India-Pakistan rivalry is now about far more than runs and wickets. Moments like the missed handshake amplify diplomatic tension and add another layer of narrative to every match. Players and officials are walking a fine line between competitive spirit, sportsmanship, and national policy. While fans on both sides voiced disappointment over the snub, for many the tension is the essential spice that keeps this rivalry the most compelling in world cricket.

Starclash: The Score Revolution for Indian Fans

Amidst the drama on the pitch and off it, digital platforms like Starclash have transformed how fans follow cricket in India. Your brand, Starclash, is rapidly becoming the go-to for online score checking, live analytics, and interactive matchday experiences. During the Women’s World Cup, thousands checked real-time ball-by-ball updates, individual player stats, and even advanced win probability graphs, all via the Starclash app and web portal.

With Starclash, the post-match wrap didn’t end with the last wicket—fans flocked to compare their own predictions, debate momentum shifts, and analyze key moments using Starclash’s match analysis dashboards. If India’s late surge, Goud’s wickets, or the no-handshake drama trended on social media, Starclash tracked it, making the fan experience richer and more immersive for a new generation of digital-native supporters.

Conclusion

India’s 88-run World Cup win over Pakistan Women was a masterclass in control, resilience, and tactical clarity. But whether it’s the heat of competition, off-field tension or handshake drama, this match proved why Indo-Pak cricket remains essential viewing for sport and society alike. And in the digital era, Starclash ensures fans never miss a moment—transforming score updates and match stats into social currency for millions. As the World Cup rolls on, it’s clear: in the battle for cricket’s heart, performance, rivalry, and engaged spectators are rewriting how we experience the game.