Colombo: Batter Sidra Amin’s historic innings — the highest-ever score by a Pakistani batter against India in women’s ODIs — went in vain as a dominant bowling display from Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud powered India to an 88-run victory over Pakistan in their ICC Women’s World Cup encounter at Colombo on Sunday.

With this win, India maintained a perfect 5-0 record against Pakistan in Women’s World Cups and extended their unbeaten ODI streak to 12-0 against the arch-rivals.

Pakistan’s chase falters despite Sidra’s heroics

Chasing 248, Pakistan were left struggling at 26/3 in 12 overs, courtesy of an early burst from Kranti Goud. Sidra Amin (81 off 106 balls, nine fours and a six) stood tall amid the collapse, stitching a 69-run partnership with Natalia Pervaiz (33 off 46 balls, four fours) for the fourth wicket.

However, once Goud dismissed Pervaiz, Pakistan’s innings spiralled. Sidra later added 41 runs for the sixth wicket with Sidra Nawaz (14), but the Indian spinners soon took control. Deepti Sharma (3/45) dismantled the middle and lower order, while Sneh Rana (2/38) also struck crucial blows.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 159 in 43 overs, falling well short of the target.

Spinners, pacers combine for clinical performance

India’s bowlers produced a well-rounded performance, with spinners accounting for five wickets and pacers taking three. Goud (3/20) and Deepti Sharma (3/45) led from the front, supported ably by Rana.

Diana Baig’s record spell restricts India to 247

Earlier, Pakistan pacer Diana Baig delivered a standout spell, claiming 4/69 in 10 overs — the best-ever World Cup figures by a Pakistan pacer — as India were bundled out for 247 in 50 overs.

Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, India managed a competitive total — their highest Women’s ODI score without an individual fifty, surpassing the 227 against New Zealand at Ahmedabad last year.

India played 173 dot balls, the highest in this tournament so far and their second-most in the last 34 ODIs since January 2023.

Richa Ghosh’s late flourish lifts India

After Pakistan opted to bowl first, India got a solid start with Pratika Rawal (31 off 37 balls, five fours) and Smriti Mandhana (23 off 32, four fours) adding 48 runs for the opening wicket.

Harleen Deol (46 off 65, four fours and a six), Jemimah Rodrigues (32 off 37, five fours), Deepti Sharma (25 off 33) and Sneh Rana (20 off 33) made handy contributions but failed to convert starts into big scores.

A late flourish from Richa Ghosh (35 off 20 balls, three fours and two sixes) pushed India to a defendable total before Baig, Sadia Iqbal (2/47) and Fatima Sana (2/38) wrapped up the innings.

Brief Scores

India: 247 in 50 overs (Harleen Deol 46, Richa Ghosh 35, Diana Baig 4/69)
Pakistan: 159 in 43 overs (Sidra Amin 81, Natalia Pervaiz 33, Kranti Goud 3/20, Deepti Sharma 3/45)

Result: India won by 88 runs

Points Table: India top Group standings with six points (two wins, two losses), while Pakistan remain at sixth, winless after two games.