India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025: The stage is set for one of the most anticipated encounters of the Women’s World Cup 2025 — India vs Pakistan. As the two teams lock horns in Colombo, emotions run high and expectations soar. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana has won the toss and opted to bowl first, setting the stage for a thrilling contest between two spirited sides with contrasting histories in the tournament.
For India, this is more than just another World Cup match — it’s an opportunity to maintain their unbroken record against their arch-rivals. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to rewrite history and showcase the progress of their young and determined squad.
Historic Rivalry: India’s Unbeaten Record Against Pakistan
The India vs Pakistan rivalry in women’s cricket has always carried immense significance. Over the years, India has dominated the head-to-head record, winning all 11 previous ODI World Cup encounters. Each victory has been comprehensive, with India winning by margins of at least 80 runs or five wickets every single time.
But while the record suggests a one-sided rivalry, the matches have produced many memorable and heartwarming moments. One such moment came during the 2022 Women’s World Cup, when Indian players were seen playing with the infant daughter of Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof — a touching reminder that the spirit of the game goes beyond national boundaries.
As the two teams meet again in the 2025 Women’s World Cup, the stakes are higher, and the fans expect nothing less than a fierce, yet respectful, battle.
India’s Recent Form: Confidence and Balance Across Departments
India enters this contest with momentum and confidence. The Women in Blue have won three of their last five ODIs, showing strong performances from both their top and lower order.
The team’s bowling attack has been particularly impressive. Sneh Rana stands out as the most consistent performer, with 15 wickets in four matches at Khettarama during the earlier tri-series this year. Her all-round skills have added great depth to the squad. Supporting her are Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani, who complete a formidable spin trio that has proven difficult for opponents to handle.
The top order — Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues — remains India’s backbone. While Mandhana’s flair and timing can set the tone, skipper Harmanpreet’s experience and ability to play the anchor role make her indispensable. Jemimah’s stroke play and adaptability will also be crucial in building partnerships through the middle overs.
Pakistan’s Challenge: Young Blood and Leadership Under Pressure
Pakistan, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency. Their recent batting performance against Bangladesh, where they were dismissed for just 129, exposed their fragility against top-class bowling.
However, there are positives to build upon. Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali have shown glimpses of promise at the top, while Aliya Riaz provides valuable experience in the middle order. The biggest focus, though, is on their young captain Fatima Sana, who at just 23, leads her nation in one of the toughest fixtures in world cricket.
Fatima has shown maturity beyond her years, balancing leadership and all-round responsibilities. She acknowledges the learning curve and the importance of senior support, saying, “Support from senior players is very important for me. They help me when I make mistakes.”
The Pakistan captain’s calmness and ability to inspire her team will be tested against an Indian side full of experience and confidence.
Women’s World Cup 2025: Pitch and Weather Report from Colombo
At the Khettarama Stadium in Colombo, conditions are warm and humid, with the temperature hovering around 31°C. The northeast monsoon has left traces of moisture on the pitch, which could aid seamers early on. The playing surface is known to slow down as the game progresses, bringing spinners into play later.
The ground dimensions add another layer of intrigue: the short boundary measures 56 meters with the wind, 63 meters against it, and the straight boundary extends to 70 meters.
With both teams boasting quality spin attacks, the match could turn into a battle of patience and precision. Spinners will have to be smart with their variations, while batters must adjust quickly to unpredictable bounce and turn.
Playing XIs Announced: India and Pakistan Ready for Action
India Women’s Playing XI:
Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (w), Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
Pakistan Women’s Playing XI:
Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (w), Fatima Sana (c), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal
Captains’ Comments: Tactical Insights Before the Clash
Harmanpreet Kaur (India Captain):
“We played a good series here before the World Cup, and we’re thinking positively. The conditions are familiar, and our team combination feels right. Unfortunately, Amanjot isn’t playing today, but Renuka Thakur comes in. We’ve gelled well and are looking forward to the contest.”
Fatima Sana (Pakistan Captain):
“We’re going to bowl first; the wicket has some moisture and could help the pacers. Anything under 250 would be a chaseable target. Our confidence is growing, and we’re looking to perform better today.”
India’s Familiarity with Colombo Gives Them an Edge
India’s prior experience in Colombo could play a major role. The team recently played a tri-series at the same venue, gaining valuable insights into the pitch behavior and weather conditions. The spin-friendly surface perfectly suits India’s bowling unit, especially Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma, who have thrived here before.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership in using spinners tactically has also been noteworthy. She often introduces spin early in the powerplay to stifle scoring and force mistakes — a strategy that could pay dividends against Pakistan’s top order.
Moreover, with rain forecast later in the day, India’s familiarity with these conditions might help them adapt quicker if the match gets shortened. Their balanced attack gives them flexibility whether defending or chasing.
Pakistan May Turn to Youth for a Batting Boost
Pakistan’s management is reportedly considering giving opportunities to young talents like Eyman Fatima, who could add energy at the top of the order. Leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah is another name likely to feature, offering variety in the bowling department and some lower-order batting depth.
Captain Fatima Sana has acknowledged the need for quick learning and tactical adjustments. “We have to learn from mistakes quickly and adapt,” she said, highlighting the team’s ongoing effort to balance experience and youth.
The inclusion of promising youngsters could inject freshness and reduce pressure on senior players like Sidra Amin and Aliya Riaz, who have carried much of the batting load.
India’s Lower Order – The Silent Match Winners
One of India’s most significant improvements in recent years has been the performance of their lower-middle order. In earlier matches, players like Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma have consistently rescued the side after top-order collapses. Their calm temperament and ability to rotate strike have proven invaluable in tight situations.
This strength gives India a psychological edge — even if early wickets fall, the middle and lower order have shown the ability to rebuild and push the team toward competitive totals.
Against Pakistan’s relatively inexperienced bowling attack, this depth could once again be the difference between a modest and a match-winning score.
Leadership and Mindset: Fatima Sana vs Harmanpreet Kaur
This clash is also a fascinating contest of leadership styles. Harmanpreet Kaur, a seasoned campaigner, leads with calm aggression and tactical acumen. Her ability to handle pressure and make sharp on-field decisions has shaped India into one of the most consistent teams in women’s cricket.
In contrast, Fatima Sana represents Pakistan’s next generation — young, determined, and eager to make a mark. Her leadership journey is just beginning, but her composure and willingness to learn suggest a bright future.
This duel between experience and youth could define not just this match but also the future direction of women’s cricket in the subcontinent.
Also read: ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025: Complete Guide on Where to Watch, TV and Live Streaming Details
India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025: Key Battles to Watch
| Key Battle | Players Involved | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Mandhana vs Diana Baig | India’s star opener vs Pakistan’s pace spearhead | The tone-setter of the innings; early wickets could shift momentum |
| Deepti Sharma vs Sidra Amin | India’s premier spinner vs Pakistan’s reliable batter | Control in the middle overs will decide scoring tempo |
| Harmanpreet Kaur vs Nashra Sandhu | India’s captain vs Pakistan’s top spinner | Experience vs guile; could define the innings |
| Fatima Sana vs Sneh Rana | All-rounder duel | Both crucial with bat and ball; impact players for their sides |
These matchups encapsulate the essence of modern women’s cricket — skill, strategy, and resilience.
Beyond Cricket: Sportsmanship and Shared Spirit
While much of the focus will be on runs and wickets, India vs Pakistan clashes have also offered moments that transcend the game. The camaraderie between players, the smiles shared, and the mutual respect have softened the fierce rivalry.
When Indian players once played with the baby daughter of Bismah Maroof in 2022, it was celebrated globally as a symbol of humanity that goes beyond borders. Expect the same spirit of friendship and respect to be on display today.
Match Outlook: India Favorites but Pakistan Eye Upset
Statistically, India remains the overwhelming favorite, with experience, balance, and recent form in their favor. Their batting depth, spin power, and adaptability in Colombo’s conditions make them the more complete side.
Pakistan, though, has nothing to lose. The underdog status could free them from pressure and inspire a fearless performance. If their bowlers can strike early and their top order holds firm, the contest could be closer than the records suggest.
Both teams know that this fixture carries emotional weight — it’s not just about points, but pride, progress, and passion.
Also read: ICC Womens Cricket World Cup 2025 Schedule: Complete Guide, Teams, Venues, and Live Streaming
Conclusion: A Clash of History, Hope, and Heart
The India vs Pakistan Women’s World Cup 2025 match is more than a sporting event; it’s a celebration of women’s cricket in South Asia. It showcases how far both nations have come — India as a powerhouse and Pakistan as a team on the rise.
For India, maintaining dominance is crucial to building momentum for the knockout stages. For Pakistan, every boundary, every wicket, and every partnership will serve as a statement of belief and resilience.
As the match unfolds under the Colombo sun, one thing is certain — the spirit of cricket will shine as brightly as ever.
