The India vs Pakistan encounter at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 in Colombo turned out to be a roller-coaster, filled with tense moments, review blunders, and early pressure in Pakistan’s run chase. What began with a toss confusion soon became one of the most gripping matches of the tournament.
A Confusing Start at the Toss
Before a single ball was bowled, controversy struck. Pakistan captain Fatima Sana won the toss, but a brief misunderstanding between her and the match referee created confusion over whether Pakistan would bat or bowl first. After clarification, Pakistan chose to field — but the awkward start set the tone for a day of mixed calls and high emotions.
India’s Innings: Strong Foundation, Missed Opportunities
Batting first, Team India managed to post 247 runs in 50 overs, a total built on solid partnerships but marked by middle-order instability.
- Richa Ghosh stood out with a quick-fire 35 off 20 balls, injecting momentum in the death overs.
- Despite the strong base, India lost wickets at key intervals, with Pakistan’s bowlers — especially Nida Dar — tightening control in the middle overs.
- A dramatic moment came when batter Shree Charani was given out caught behind, only for DRS to overturn the decision after no edge was detected.
That successful review saved India from a collapse and underlined how critical technology has become in high-pressure games.
DRS Chaos: India Saved, Pakistan Slips
While India benefited from smart use of DRS, Pakistan struggled with decision-making.
- Early in their bowling innings, Pakistan burned a review on an LBW shout where the ball clearly pitched outside leg stump.
- Later, in their own chase, a poor call for DRS on an obvious inside edge cost them another review, leaving them vulnerable in crucial overs.
These moments reflected how vital composure and clarity are when every decision can tilt the game’s direction.
Pakistan’s Chase: Cautious but Shaky
Chasing 248, Pakistan began nervously. Openers Sidra Ameen and Muneeba Ali struggled to find rhythm against India’s new-ball pair.
- Renuka Singh Thakur and Pooja Vastrakar bowled tight lines, exploiting the early swing.
- Pakistan’s top order found it difficult to rotate strike, and pressure mounted as dot balls piled up.
- An early wicket further rattled their confidence, while a failed DRS review added to the frustration.
At the halfway mark, Pakistan’s scoring rate lagged behind the requirement, with India tightening their grip through disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.
The Big Storylines
- DRS Decides the Momentum – India’s accurate review calls contrasted sharply with Pakistan’s costly mistakes.
- Pressure of the Rivalry – Every India–Pakistan clash brings emotional intensity, and that pressure was visible in both teams’ decision-making.
- Middle-Order Reliability – India’s lower order added valuable runs that eventually made a difference on a tricky pitch.
- Historic Context – India have never lost to Pakistan in the Women’s World Cup, and that psychological edge continues to play a role.
Final Takeaway
This India–Pakistan contest had everything — early confusion, technological drama, and nerves of steel on both sides. India’s smart use of DRS and balanced bowling gave them the upper hand, while Pakistan’s tentative chase highlighted the immense pressure that comes with facing their arch-rivals on the world stage.
As the World Cup progresses, one thing is clear — moments like these define not just matches, but legacies.