India’s women’s cricket team triumphed over Pakistan by 88 runs in a gripping match at the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday in Lucknow. Key performances from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh bolstered India’s success in this much-anticipated encounter.
India batted first and managed to score 247 all out after winning a controversial toss. Deol displayed a steady hand with her composed 46 runs off 65 balls, while Ghosh contributed an aggressive 35 runs off 20 balls. The match referee mistakenly awarded the toss to Pakistan, who opted to bowl first.
The Indian bowling unit showcased their strength and determination. Kranti Gaud led the charge with an impressive spell, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs. Deepti Sharma added to Pakistan’s misfortunes with 3 wickets for 45 runs, and Shree Charani chipped in with 2 for 38.
Despite the obstinate resistance from Pakistan’s opener Sidra Amin, who scored 81 runs off 106 balls, the team fell short, ending their innings at 159 all out in 43 overs. With this win, India strengthened its record to 12-0 in ODI matches against Pakistan.
The match was filled with excitement and unexpected moments, which included a toss blunder, a quirky run-out, and a 15-minute interruption due to an invasion of bugs on the field. Continuing their “no-handshake” policy, the teams maintained distance even after the game.
Pakistan’s chase began poorly. Muneeba Ali fell victim to a run-out in a bizarre manner, stepping out of her crease post a successful LBW appeal. Deepti Sharma’s direct hit sent the Pakistani opener back to the dugout. Gaud continued her good form, taking the wickets of Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz in quick succession, leaving Pakistan reeling at 26 runs for 3 wickets.
Even though Amin and Natalia Pervaiz forged a 69-run partnership to stabilize the innings, the collapse was sudden and severe following that alliance. Once they were out, the remaining batswomen mounted little resistance.
Earlier, India’s innings took shape under Deol’s steady knock and Ghosh’s aggressive batting. Pratika Rawal started brightly with a score of 31, hitting three boundaries off Diana Baig. However, India faced an early blow as Smriti Mandhana was dismissed for 23 by Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana, who finished with figures of 2 for 38.
It was Baig who shone with the ball for Pakistan, claiming 4 wickets for 69 runs. Together with Sana, they kept pushing for breakthroughs to limit India’s scoring opportunities.
Although India looked poised for a bigger total with Deol forming crucial partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues, quick wickets in the middle overs put the brakes on their momentum. Just as Pakistan seemed to have regained control, Richa Ghosh’s explosive batting turned the tide with three boundaries and two sixes, propelling India close to 250 runs.
With the bowling effort that followed, India’s players displayed impressive skill to bundle out Pakistan efficiently. The consistent pressure from their bowlers led to a decisive victory, keeping India’s hopes alive in the ongoing 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, marking a significant victory in their World Cup journey.
