India extended their unbeaten run against Pakistan in women’s ODIs with a dominant 88-run win at Khettarama in the Women’s World Cup. Kranti Goud and Deepti Sharma starred with three wickets each as Pakistan were bundled out for 159 while chasing 248. The result gave India their 12th consecutive win over Pakistan and pushed them to the top of the points table, ahead of Australia.
India posted 247 despite none of their batters reaching a fifty. Harleen Deol top-scored with 46, while Richa Ghosh provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 35 off 20 balls. On a tricky pitch, Pakistan’s bowlers kept things tight, with Diana Baig (4 for 69) and Fatima Sana (2 for 38) leading the attack. India struggled to build partnerships, but Ghosh’s late hitting ensured a competitive total — the highest in women’s ODIs without a fifty-run stand.
Pakistan’s chase began poorly as openers Muneeba Ali and Sadaf Shamas fell early to Goud’s disciplined seam bowling. Muneeba’s unusual run-out — after briefly lifting her bat when Deepti Sharma’s throw hit the stumps — summed up Pakistan’s misfortune. Goud continued to trouble the batters, removing Aliya Riyaz and leaving Pakistan reeling at 26 for 3.
Sidra Amin stood tall with a resilient 81 off 106 balls, becoming the only batter to challenge India’s bowlers. She received some support from Natalia Pervais, who scored 33, but the rest of the batting lineup failed to contribute. Amin survived a few close calls — including a dropped catch and a missed review — yet struggled to accelerate as the required rate climbed. Once she fell to Deepti Sharma, Pakistan’s resistance collapsed, and they were dismissed in 43 overs.
Earlier, Pakistan’s spinners had kept India in check after choosing to bowl first under cloudy skies. Smriti Mandhana’s early dismissal and a flurry of dot balls slowed the scoring. Deol and Jemimah Rodrigues added some stability before both departed in quick succession. Ghosh’s aggressive finish, which included a six over wide long-on and a quick 13 runs off Baig’s penultimate over, proved decisive.
In the end, India’s all-round display ensured another convincing victory over their arch-rivals, maintaining their perfect record and solidifying their position as early tournament favorites.
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