India Women Extend Dominance Over Pakistan in Resounding ODI Win

In a compelling display of cricket prowess, the India Women`s team secured a commanding 88-run victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in an One-Day International (ODI) encounter held on a challenging Colombo surface. The win not only propelled India to the top of the table but also extended their formidable unbeaten streak against Pakistan in ODIs to a remarkable 12 matches, a testament to their consistent performance on this fiercely contested stage.

India`s Collective Batting Effort Sets a Formidable Target

Opting to bat first after a somewhat confused toss—notably sans the customary handshakes—India set out to construct a competitive total. Openers Pratika Rawal (31) and Smriti Mandhana (23) provided a solid, if not blistering, start, dealing in regular boundaries to navigate the initial overs. Mandhana, despite not appearing entirely fluent, contributed before being trapped in front, leaving India at 54/1 after 10 overs.

The middle overs saw Pakistan`s bowlers, particularly Sadia Iqbal, tighten their lines, stemming the flow of runs. However, Harleen Deol emerged as the anchor, crafting a vital 46-run innings that laid a crucial foundation. Supported by Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and later by Jemimah Rodrigues, who capitalized on a fortunate no-ball reprieve to keep the scoreboard ticking, India steadily built their innings. Rodrigues and Harleen rotated the strike effectively, navigating India past the 150-run mark.

The innings took an unexpected, almost comical, pause when nature intervened: a sudden influx of pests forced players off the field for fumigation. Upon resumption, Harleen fell just four runs short of a well-deserved fifty. The innings seemed poised for a modest finish until Richa Ghosh, batting unusually low at number eight for the first time in her career, unleashed a powerful cameo. Her rapid-fire 35* included a flurry of boundaries and sixes, injecting much-needed impetus in the death overs. Despite Diana Baig`s (4-69) late wickets, India posted a challenging 247 runs in their allotted 50 overs, a score that felt more substantial on the sluggish pitch.

Kranti Gaud Leads Bowling Masterclass as Pakistan Falters

The chase began cautiously for Pakistan, with India`s new-ball pair, Renuka Thakur and Kranti Gaud, exhibiting exceptional control and movement. Runs were scarce, with only six scored in the first four overs. India`s early hesitancy with reviews, having lost one on the very first ball, potentially cost them a couple of LBW opportunities, but their bowling discipline soon paid dividends.

A fortuitous run-out claimed Muneeba Ali, and soon after, Kranti Gaud — the eventual Player of the Match — began to dismantle Pakistan`s lineup. Gaud`s relentless accuracy and subtle variations proved too much for the batters. She ended Sadaf Shamas`s stay with a sharp return catch and later clean-bowled Aliya Riaz, bagging a wicket-maiden in her spell. Together with Thakur, Gaud delivered an impressive 15 consecutive overs, conceding only 30 runs and building immense pressure.

Sidra Amin, however, stood as a beacon of defiance for Pakistan. Despite dropped catches offering her reprieves, Amin fought a lone battle, crafting a resilient 81 runs. Her half-century, featuring Pakistan`s first six against India in ODIs, momentarily offered a glimmer of hope. But with little support from the other end—Natalia Pervaiz (33) being the only other batter to show some resistance—the task became increasingly insurmountable.

Gaud returned to break a crucial partnership, and Deepti Sharma (3-45) chipped in with vital wickets, including the dismissal of Fatima Sana. The relentless pressure eventually told. When Sneh Rana claimed the prized wicket of Sidra Amin, attempting a scoop, Pakistan`s last flicker of hope was extinguished. The remaining wickets fell swiftly, solidifying India`s comprehensive 88-run victory.

A Dominant Statement from India Women

This match was more than just a win; it was a dominant statement. India`s ability to forge a competitive total through collective contributions, coupled with a clinical bowling performance spearheaded by Kranti Gaud, showcased their strength and depth. While the quirks of the game—from the odd toss to the insect-induced delay—added a unique flavor, the underlying narrative was clear: India Women remain a formidable force, especially against their traditional rivals, extending a streak that speaks volumes of their consistent superiority.