ICC Women's World Cup: Richa, Deepti, and Kranti Shine as India Extend Winning Streak Against Pakistan

Sports News: Sidra Amin’s brilliant knock, the highest-ever by a Pakistani batter against India in women’s ODIs, went in vain as India’s spinners, led by Deepti Sharma, powered the team to an 88-run win in the ICC Women’s World Cup clash at Colombo on Sunday. With this win, India continued their perfect record against Pakistan 5-0 in Women’s World Cups and 12-0 in women’s ODIs overall. Pakistan had earlier bowled India out for 247 runs, thanks to a fiery spell from Diana Baig (4/69), who registered the best World Cup figures by a Pakistan pacer. However, their batters couldn’t match up, folding for 159 in 43 overs.

Pakistan’s Batting Falters Despite Sidra’s Effort

Sidra Amin scored 81 off 106 balls with nine fours and a six, but lacked support from the other end. Pakistan’s innings collapsed early, reaching only 26/3 in 12 overs due to Kranti Goud’s (3/20) early breakthroughs. A brief 69-run stand between Sidra and Natalia Pervaiz (33 off 46) revived hope, but once Goud struck again, the chase lost momentum. Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Sneh Rana (2/38) cleaned up the middle and lower order, with Indian spinners taking five of the ten wickets.

India’s Batting: Collective but Inconsistent

India’s total of 247 was their highest Women’s ODI score without a single 50-plus innings, surpassing their 227 against New Zealand last year. Despite playing 173 dot balls, India managed solid partnerships throughout. An opening stand of 48 between Pratika Rawal (31) and Smriti Mandhana (23) gave India a steady start. Harleen Deol (46), Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Deepti Sharma (25), and Sneh Rana (20) made useful contributions but couldn’t convert them into big scores.

Richa’s Quickfire Knock Seals the Total

When India looked in trouble at 203/7, Richa Ghosh’s explosive 35 off just 20 balls, including three fours and two sixes, lifted them to a competitive 247 all out in 50 overs. Apart from Diana Baig’s four wickets, Sadia Iqbal (2/47) and Fatima Sana (2/38) also bowled well for Pakistan. With this victory, India moved to the top of the table with six points from four matches, while Pakistan remained winless. In a tense end to the game, both teams avoided the traditional post-match handshake.

Brief Scores:

India: 247 all out (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35, Diana Baig 4/69)
Pakistan: 159 all out in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Pervaiz 33, Kranti Goud 3/20)