In a dramatic ICC Women’s World Cup match on Sunday, the Indian women’s cricket team defeated Pakistan by 88 runs at the cricket stadium in Gaddafi, Lahore. Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh shone with both bat and ball, solidifying India’s dominance in the contest.
The match started with some confusion over the toss, but Pakistan opted to bowl first after winning it. Despite a sluggish pitch, India posted a competitive 247 all out, spearheaded by Deol’s composed 46 off 65 balls and Ghosh’s explosive 35 off 20 balls.
Pacer Kranti Gaud led the charge with a fiery spell, claiming 3/20 and dismantling Pakistan’s top order. Alongside her, Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Shree Charani (2/38) ensured Pakistan struggled to find their footing. The Pakistani side folded for 159, with opener Sidra Amin making a gallant 81 off 106 but lacking support from her teammates.
India’s victory further extended their unbeaten ODI record against Pakistan to an impressive 12-0.
The match delivered its fair share of drama, starting from the toss confusion to a peculiar run-out incident involving Muneeba Ali, who fell victim to a direct hit from Deepti Sharma after edging out of her crease unnecessarily.
Gaud quickly struck again, dismissing Sadaf Shamas (6) and Aliya Riaz (2), putting Pakistan on the back foot at 26 for 3. A brief resistance came from Amin and Natalia Pervaiz with a 69-run partnership, but once that faltered, the remaining Pakistani batswomen collapsed.
Earlier in India’s innings, Deol’s steady knock stabilised the batting order, complemented by Ghosh’s explosive performance at the end. Pratika Rawal’s brisk 31 provided a solid start, with three consecutive boundaries off Diana Baig before the loss of early wickets.
Despite Baig’s economical bowling, returning figures of 4/69, and Fatima Sana taking 2/38, India found themselves in a tricky position with quick wickets falling. However, Ghosh’s counterattack, consisting of three fours and two sixes, lit up the innings and helped push India close to 250.
Gaud’s bowling, coupled with Sharma’s impeccable control, ultimately led to a systematic breakdown of the Pakistani batting order. They sealed the win with consistent accuracy, cementing India’s reputation in the tournament.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 247 all out in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Diana Baig 4/69, Fatima Sana 2/38).
Pakistan Women: 159 all out in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81; Kranti Gaud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45, Shree Charani 2/38).
Result: India won by 88 runs.
