India delivered a commanding all-round performance to defeat Pakistan by 88 runs in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium.
The hosts, now unbeaten in two games, climbed to the top of the points table, while Pakistan slipped to their second straight loss.
Batting first on a damp, two-paced surface, India posted 247 before being bowled out on the final ball. Smriti Mandhana (31), Harleen Deol (45), and Richa Ghosh (35* off 20) led the way in a team effort where no batter crossed fifty but everyone chipped in.
Despite Diana Baig’s four wickets, Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for consistency, conceding crucial runs in the death overs.
Pakistan’s chase unraveled quickly under the lights as Kranti Goud’s fiery spell of 3 for 20 rattled the top order. Renuka Thakur swung the new ball beautifully, while Deepti Sharma tightened the screws in the middle overs.
Sidra Amin’s 42 provided brief resistance, but regular wickets meant Pakistan were bowled out inside 47 overs.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her bowlers for “keeping calm and applying pressure,” while her opposite number Sana Mir lamented “sloppy fielding and missed chances.”
India will next face South Africa in Mumbai, while Pakistan remain in Colombo to take on defending champions Australia.