Contrasting knocks from Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh, coupled with a disciplined bowling display, powered India to a commanding 88-run win over Pakistan in a high-voltage ICC Women’s World Cup encounter on Sunday.
Deol’s composed 46 off 65 balls and Richa’s explosive 35 off 20 balls lifted India to 247 all out on a sluggish pitch, after a toss confusion saw the match referee mistakenly award the toss to Pakistan, who opted to bowl first.
Pacer Kranti Gaud (3/20) led India’s bowling attack with a fiery spell, dismantling Pakistan’s top order, while Deepti Sharma (3/45) and Shree Charani (2/38) spun a web around the middle and lower order.
Despite a valiant 81 off 106 from opener Sidra Amin, Pakistan were bundled out for 159 in 43 overs.
With this victory, India extended their unbeaten ODI record against Pakistan to 12-0.
The match wasn’t short on drama — from a toss blunder to a bizarre run-out and a 15-minute delay due to a swarm of bugs invading the field. Adding to the tension, India also continued their “no-handshake” policy during and after the game.
Pakistan’s chase began disastrously. Muneeba Ali (2) was run out in comical fashion after surviving an LBW appeal, only to step out of her crease while the ball was still live — Deepti Sharma’s direct hit caught her short.
Gaud then dismissed Sadaf Shamas (6) and Aliya Riaz (2) in quick succession to leave Pakistan tottering at 26/3.
Amin and Natalia Pervaiz (33) offered brief resistance with a 69-run stand, but once the partnership broke, the rest of the batting folded without a fight.
Earlier, India’s innings revolved around Deol’s steady knock and Richa’s fiery finish.
Pratika Rawal (31) gave India a brisk start, hitting three consecutive fours off Diana Baig, but Smriti Mandhana (23) fell early to Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana (2/38).
Baig (4/69) and Sana kept the Indian batters in check with sharp variations, forcing regular breakthroughs.
After Deol’s partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur (19) and Jemimah Rodrigues (32), India looked set for a big score, but quick wickets in the middle overs stalled the momentum.
Just when Pakistan sensed control, Richa Ghosh counter-attacked — smashing three fours and two sixes to push India close to 250.
The bowlers then did the rest, wrapping up Pakistan with clinical precision to register a dominant win and keep India’s campaign on track.
Brief Scores:
India Women: 247 all out in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35*, Jemimah Rodrigues 32; Diana Baig 4/69, Fatima Sana 2/38).
Pakistan Women: 159 all out in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81; Kranti Gaud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45, Shree Charani 2/38).
Result: India won by 88 runs.
