India’s 88‑Run Rout of Pakistan Highlights Powerplay Mastery at Women’s World Cup

• October 6, 2025
• C Badenhorst
• 2 Comments

When India women's cricket team hammered Pakistan women's cricket team by 88 runs at the Women's Cricket World CupColombo on October 5, 2025, the margin reminded everyone why the Indian side is a tournament favourite. The match unfolded at the Colombo Cricket Club Ground under a clear sky, and the decisive powerplay swing turned a solid 248‑run total into a heartbreak for Pakistan.

Match Overview

India elected to bat first, a decision that paid off handsomely. After a cautious opening partnership, the middle order steadied the ship and pushed the score past the 200‑run landmark. The final tally of 248/6 was anchored by a gritty 46 from Harleen Deol, batter and valuable contributions from Richa Ghosh, wicket‑keeper‑batter. Deepti Sharma, all‑rounder chipped in with a quick‑fire 30‑run cameo and a vital over of tidy medium‑pace.

Pakistan’s chase began poorly. The opening overs saw Kranti Goud, left‑arm pacer claim two wickets inside the first two overs, ripping through the top order and leaving the side reeling at 22/2. By the end of the powerplay, Pakistan were 58/4, with only Sidra Ameen, top‑order batter managing to settle for a gritty 28.

Captain Fatima Sana, captain tried to rally her side, adding a quick 22 before falling to a sharp catch at mid‑wicket. The lower order scraped together a few runs, but the target remained out of reach. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 160, sealing an 88‑run victory for India.

Key Performances

• Harleen Deol – 46 runs (45 balls), top scorer, stabilised the innings after early wickets.
• Kranti Goud – 3 wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs, sparked the early collapse.
• Richa Ghosh – 35 runs (32 balls) with a strike rate of 109, accelerated the run‑rate in the final ten overs.
• Deepti Sharma – 30 runs (22 balls) + 1 wicket, displayed classic all‑round brilliance.
• Sidra Ameen – 28 runs (31 balls), showed resilience amid falling wickets.

Perspectives from the Pitch

Post‑match, India’s coach Mickey Arthur praised the team’s discipline. “Our powerplay plan was clear – strike early, tighten the line, and let the middle order build. Kranti executed his role perfectly, and the batters showed a lot of composure under pressure,” he said.

Pakistan’s captain Fatima Sana, visibly disappointed, reflected on the challenge. “We know the gap is there. The early wickets hurt, but Sidra and I tried to push back. We’ll learn from this and try to get something out of the next match,” she noted.

Implications for the World Cup

The win propels India to the top of Group B with six points, solidifying their path to the Super Six stage. A net‑run‑rate of +1.54 now puts them comfortably ahead of Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, both of whom are still fighting for a spot.

For Pakistan, the defeat compounds a loss to Bangladesh in their opening fixture. With just two matches left, they must win both and hope for a massive swing in net‑run‑rate to stay alive – a scenario the team’s analysts describe as a “miracle.”

Historical Context of the India‑Pakistan Rivalry

India’s 11‑0 unbeaten run against Pakistan in women’s ODIs stretches back to their inaugural clash in 1997. The margin of 88 runs ranks among the larger victories, eclipsing the 73‑run win recorded at the 2017 Women’s World Cup.

The rivalry has intensified after the 2023 Asia Cup, where India edged Pakistan in a rain‑abbreviated thriller. That encounter left both sides eager for redemption, adding an extra layer of narrative tension to the Colombo meeting.

Looking Ahead

India’s next challenge comes against host nation Sri Lanka on October 10. A win would lock in a place in the knockout rounds, while Pakistan must face Bangladesh women on October 12, a match that could decide their fate.

Both teams know the tournament’s short format leaves little margin for error. As the World Cup edges toward the quarter‑finals, every run, every wicket, and every strategic tweak will matter more than ever.

Key Facts

• Match date: 5 October 2025
• Venue: Colombo Cricket Club Ground, Colombo
• India total: 248/6 (50 overs)
• Pakistan total: 160 all out (44.3 overs)
• Result: India won by 88 runs