Ind vs Pak Women World Cup 2025: Clash in Colombo

Ind vs Pak Women World Cup 2025: Clash in Colombo

October 5, 2025—In a match that promises fireworks both on and off the field, the Indian women's cricket team faces arch-rivals Pakistan in a Group A encounter of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, Sri Lanka. This high-stakes showdown, scheduled for 2:30 PM IST, is not just another chapter in one of cricket's fiercest rivalries but a pivotal battle that could define both teams' pathways to the semifinals. India, the defending champions and tournament favorites, enter with an unbeaten streak in World Cup history against Pakistan, but the Men in Green are desperate to break the jinx and salvage their campaign after a shock loss to South Africa in their opener.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, leading India for the fourth consecutive World Cup, emphasized in the pre-match press conference: "Pakistan matches are always emotional, but we focus on execution. Our preparation has been sharp, and we're ready for Colombo's conditions." On the other side, Bismah Maroof, Pakistan's seasoned skipper, vowed a "fighting spirit," saying, "We've analyzed India's strengths—Smriti Mandhana's form is a threat, but our bowlers, led by Fatima Sana, can turn it around." With India boasting a 6-0 World Cup record against Pakistan, the pressure is immense on the visitors, who need a win to stay alive in the group.

The Premadasa Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches and compact boundaries, has hosted 15 women's ODIs since 2017, averaging 240 runs per innings. Weather forecasts predict partly cloudy skies with 30% chance of rain, temperatures at 30 degrees Celsius, and humidity at 75 percent—ideal for a full 50-over thriller. Broadcast live on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar, the match is expected to draw over 50 million viewers in India alone. In this 2000-word preview, we dissect the teams' form, head-to-head history, key player battles, pitch insights, team news, and predictions, setting the stage for what could be the tournament's defining clash.

Recent Form: India on a Roll, Pakistan in Peril

India's women have been in imperious form leading into this World Cup, entering the tournament on the back of a 3-0 home series whitewash against England in September 2025. Smriti Mandhana's 250-run haul at an average of 125, including a double century in the second ODI, has set the tone, while Harmanpreet Kaur's captaincy—marked by aggressive field settings—has yielded seven wickets for the spinners in the series. The batting depth, with Shafali Verma (strike rate 95) and Jemimah Rodrigues (average 48 in ODIs) firing, has been complemented by Deepti Sharma's all-round brilliance, her 5/38 in the decider earning Player of the Series honors.

Pakistan, conversely, stumbled in their opener against South Africa on October 2, managing only 180 in pursuit of 250, with Muneeba Ali's 65 the lone bright spot. Their bowling, led by Fatima Sana's 3/42, showed promise, but fielding lapses—four drops—cost dearly. Bismah Maroof's team, ranked fifth globally, has won just two of their last eight ODIs, with Nida Dar's spin (economy 4.50) their main weapon. The loss exposed middle-order fragility, with Aliya Riaz averaging 22 in 2025. As Maroof noted post-match, "We need to regroup—India's a mountain, but we're climbers."

India's World Cup pedigree—unbeaten in 20 matches since 2017—contrasts Pakistan's inconsistency, but the subcontinental derby often defies form books.

Head-to-Head Record: India's Dominance in World Cups

The India-Pakistan women's rivalry in ODIs is lopsided, with India holding a 20-3 record overall, including a perfect 6-0 in World Cups. Their last meeting, the 2022 World Cup group clash in New Zealand, saw India chase 134 with 11 overs to spare, Mandhana's 63 setting the tone. In Asia Cups, India leads 8-1, the sole loss in 2018's final.

Key stats: India averages 280 in chases against Pakistan, winning by 100+ runs thrice. Mandhana's 350 runs at 58.33 against Pakistan make her their nemesis, while Deepti Sharma's 25 wickets at 18.50 dismantle the middle order. Pakistan's best shot? Sana's pace (average 25.00 vs India) and Dar's spin (20 wickets at 22.50). Maroof's 1,200 runs at 42.85 in ODIs offer hope, but fielding woes—15 drops in last five games—haunt.

The Colombo clash, Pakistan's must-win, revives 2017's thriller where India edged by 7 wickets. History favors India, but derbies deliver drama.

Key Players to Watch: Battles That Could Decide the Game

Smriti Mandhana vs Fatima Sana

Mandhana, India's opener and vice-captain, has been in scintillating form, her 2025 average of 52.50 in ODIs making her Pakistan's prime threat. Sana, the 23-year-old pacer with 50 wickets at 24.00, has troubled left-handers, her 145 kph yorkers a weapon. In their last encounter, Sana dismissed Mandhana for 12, but the opener's sweep against pace (strike rate 110) could counter. Expect a fiery opening duel—Mandhana's elegance vs Sana's fire.

Harmanpreet Kaur vs Nida Dar

Kaur, India's skipper and middle-order enforcer (average 38.50 in World Cups), faces Dar, Pakistan's off-spin stalwart with 150 ODI wickets at 25.50. Kaur's 2025 aggression (strike rate 95) clashes with Dar's accuracy (economy 4.20). Dar dismissed Kaur for 4 in 2022, but the captain's recent 80 vs England signals payback. This captaincy clash could swing the middle overs.

Deepti Sharma vs Bismah Maroof

Sharma, India's all-round gem (50 wickets, 1,000 runs in ODIs), targets Maroof, Pakistan's anchor (average 35.00). Sharma's flighted deliveries (average 22.00 vs Pakistan) trouble right-handers, while Maroof's sweep mastery (strike rate 80) counters spin. Their 2022 duel saw Sharma trap Maroof lbw for 20—expect a tactical tussle.

Richa Ghosh vs Nashra Sandhu

Ghosh, India's explosive keeper-batter (strike rate 100 in 2025), vs Sandhu, Pakistan's left-arm spinner (economy 4.50). Ghosh's power-hitting (three 50s vs Pakistan) tests Sandhu's variations. A finisher's frenzy vs spinner's subtlety.

These battles, under Colombo's lights, could crown the clash.

Pitch and Conditions: Spin-Friendly Premadasa Awaits

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch, curator Rohan Fernando confirmed, is a dry black-soil beauty favoring spinners from ball one, with 70% of 15 women's ODIs since 2017 won by chasing sides averaging 220. Early seam (5-10 overs) gives way to turn, with Day 1 scores around 240. Weather: IMD forecasts 30 degrees, 75% humidity, 25% rain chance—DLS possible.

Boundary dimensions—65m square, 70m straight—favor stroke-makers like Mandhana, but cracks aid Sharma and Dar. Dew factor (post-7 PM) aids second innings. Umpires Nitin Menon and Jacqueline Williams oversee, TV umpire Langton Rusere.

Conditions tilt to India—spin depth on a turner.

Team News: Injuries, Returns & Debuts

India's squad is near full strength: Mandhana returns from a minor hamstring tweak, cleared for opener. Kaur confirms Jemimah Rodrigues at 4, Deepti Sharma as fifth bowler. No changes from the South Africa win—Richa Ghosh keeps, Pooja Vastrakar 12th man.

Pakistan misses Diana Baig (shoulder injury), with Sadaf Shamas as replacement. Maroof sticks with Muneeba Ali opening, Fatima Sana at 7. Nashra Sandhu debuts in World Cups, replacing the rested Anam Amin.

Both captains toss-confident, no major disruptions.

Predicted Playing XI and Toss Impact

India Predicted XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Radha Yadav, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Shikha Pandey.

Pakistan Predicted XI: Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Bismah Maroof (c), Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Nida Dar, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig/Sadaf Shamas, Anam Amin, Diana Baig.

Toss winner likely bowls first—dew aids chase. India to win toss, bowl.

Fantasy Cricket Tips: Must-Picks for the Clash

For Dream11, Mandhana (C/VC, 9.0 credits, 120-150 fantasy points expected) tops, her 2025 form (average 55) a lock. Fatima Sana (8.5 credits, 80-100 points) for bowling, her pace a threat.

Deepti Sharma (9.0 credits, all-round 100-120) and Nida Dar (8.5, spin 70-90) balance. Ghosh (8.0, finishing 60-80) and Maroof (8.5, anchor 70-90) for middle order. Budget: Renuka Singh (7.5, early wickets).

Grand League: Mandhana VC, Sharma C. Small League: Mandhana C, Sana VC. 10 teams, 100 credits—India-heavy (7-4).

Historical Clashes: India's Unbeaten Streak

India-Pakistan women's ODIs are one-sided, India leading 20-3 overall, 6-0 in World Cups. The 2022 group game in Hamilton saw India chase 134 in 39 overs, Mandhana's 63 starring. Asia Cup 2024's semi-final thriller—India won by 6 wickets—saw Deepti Sharma's 3/19 strangle Pakistan's chase.

Pakistan's lone win? 2012 Asia Cup, chasing 78. Mandhana's 350 runs at 58.33 vs Pakistan make her nemesis, Deepti's 25 wickets at 18.50 dismantle. Colombo's last: 2017 Asia Cup, India won by 7 wickets. History's hammer favors India.

What It Means for the Tournament

For India, a win cements semifinal hopes, topping Group A with 6 points. Pakistan, on 0 points, needs it to survive—loss ends campaign. The rivalry's intensity—India's 80% win rate vs Pakistan—adds spice, but Colombo's pitch could aid Pakistan's spin.

A India win boosts Kaur's record (5/5 World Cup wins vs Pakistan), Mandhana's form to semis. Pakistan victory? Historic, reviving Maroof's legacy. The clash could swing the group, India's depth the decider.

Conclusion

October 5, 2025, spotlights India vs Pakistan in Colombo, a World Cup watershed where Mandhana's magic meets Sana's speed, Kaur's command clashes Dar's darts. From Premadasa's turner to history's hold, the rivals' reckoning resonates. India to triumph by 5 wickets, Mandhana Player of the Match. As the anthems fade, the epic endures—blue's brigade beckons Booyah.