The venerable cricketing rivalry between India and Pakistan rarely fails to ignite interest, regardless of the format or gender. When the two nations met in the ICC Women`s World Cup in Colombo, the anticipation was palpable. What unfolded was not just a testament to India`s growing cricketing prowess but also a spectacle punctuated by curious incidents, ultimately cementing India’s unbeaten 12-0 ODI head-to-head record against their spirited opponents.
The Stage Set: Drama Before a Ball Was Bowled
Before the first delivery could even be contemplated, the match served up its initial dose of drama. In an unusual turn of events, the match referee erroneously awarded the toss to Pakistan, who, without hesitation, elected to field on a seemingly sluggish track. A minor administrative blip, perhaps, but one that added a peculiar prelude to the day’s proceedings. Further adding to the distinct atmosphere, the Indian team maintained its established `no-handshake` policy, a precedent set during previous encounters.
India`s Innings: A Battle of Resilience and Late Flourish
Having been sent in to bat, India faced a disciplined Pakistani bowling attack on a pitch that offered little pace. Opener Pratika Rawal provided a brisk start with a spirited 31, including a quick trio of boundaries off Diana Baig. However, the early dismissal of star batter Smriti Mandhana for 23, expertly trapped by Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana, put the top order under early pressure. The Pakistani pacers, Baig (finishing with an impressive 4/69) and Sana (2/38), consistently maintained tight lines, denying the Indian batters any rhythm.
It was Harleen Deol who emerged as the steadying force, displaying remarkable composure with a vital 46 off 65 balls. She anchored partnerships, first with Harmanpreet (19) and then with Jemimah Rodrigues (32), helping to rebuild the innings. Yet, just as momentum seemed within grasp, wickets fell at crucial junctures. Harmanpreet succumbed to an inside edge, and Deol, after doing the hard work, squandered a chance to convert her start into a substantial score.
As the innings approached its climax, and with Pakistan seemingly choking India’s scoring rate, a new hero emerged. Richa Ghosh unleashed a blistering cameo, smashing 35 runs off just 20 balls. Her audacious sweeps and powerful hitting, including three fours and two sixes, provided the crucial late surge, propelling India to a competitive total of 247 – a score that felt significantly larger on the slow Colombo surface.
Pakistan`s Chase: Early Chaos and a Valiant Stand
Chasing 248, Pakistan`s innings began with an incident that can only be described as bizarre. Opener Muneeba Ali, having survived an initial LBW appeal, momentarily wandered out of her crease with the ball still in play. An ever-alert Deepti Sharma seized the opportunity, swooping in with a direct hit to the stumps, catching Muneeba`s bat mid-air for a sensational run-out at just 2 runs. It was a stark reminder that in cricket, vigilance is paramount, and a moment`s lapse can be incredibly costly.
The early tremors continued as pacer Kranti Gaud, who would finish with an excellent 3/20, tore through Pakistan`s top order. She quickly dispatched Sadaf Shamas and Aliya Riaz, leaving Pakistan reeling at a precarious 26/3. The Indian bowlers, having put runs on the board, were now in a commanding position.
However, Pakistan found a beacon of resistance in Sidra Amin. Displaying immense grit, Sidra carved out a valiant 81 off 106 balls, attempting to single-handedly steer her team`s chase. She found support in Natalia Pervaiz (33), and together they forged a resilient 69-run partnership, momentarily steadying the ship. Yet, with the required run rate escalating and India`s spinners tightening their grip, the inevitable collapse ensued, and Pakistan was bundled out for 159, falling short by a considerable 88 runs.
Beyond the Scorecard: Quirks and Cricket
While India`s dominant performance was the headline act, the match offered a few more eccentric moments that added to its narrative. Besides the mistaken toss and the bizarre Muneeba Ali run-out, play was halted for a curious 15 minutes due to a veritable invasion of bugs on the field. One might wonder if even the local insects were drawn to the magnetic pull of this rivalry. These quaint interruptions, however, did little to deter India`s focus or their march towards victory.
A Statement Victory
This comprehensive 88-run victory was more than just another World Cup win for India. It was a powerful statement of their sustained superiority in this high-stakes rivalry, extending their immaculate record to 12-0 in ODIs against Pakistan. The performances of Harleen Deol`s stability, Richa Ghosh`s explosive finish, and Kranti Gaud`s incisive bowling, combined with the team`s collective discipline, underscored a well-rounded and determined side. As the tournament progresses, India has certainly served notice of their World Cup ambitions, leaving a trail of dominance, and a few memorable quirks, in their wake.
