A battle excessive on emotional quotient and fewer on cricketing acumen will function India as overwhelming favourites in opposition to a dishevelled Pakistan looking for stability and rhythm in a Girls’s World Cup sport amid persevering with geopolitical tensions between the 2 bitter neighbours.
After three Sundays of India-Pakistan males’s Asia Cup matches, it is time for the ladies to take centrestage, although the report suggests little suspense concerning the end result.
India and Pakistan have performed 27 instances in ladies’s internationals throughout codecs. India maintain a commanding 24-3 benefit, with Pakistan’s three wins coming solely in T20 cricket.
In ODIs, India have a 100% report, successful all 11 matches between the 2 sides.
Each groups started their World Cup campaigns in contrasting vogue. Hosts India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs.
In distinction, Pakistan, collapsed in opposition to Bangladesh, shedding by seven wickets in a match the place they struggled in opposition to each tempo and spin.
India at present occupy the fourth spot in spite of everything groups have performed a sport every. The Girls in Blue will eye the chance to spice up their internet run charge, which turns into essential on the fag finish of the match.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. will head into the fixture excessive on confidence. The squad depth was on full show within the opener when regardless of staring down the barrel at 124 for six, the decrease center order rose to the event placing up a 250 plus goal in 47 overs.
India’s batting stays their greatest energy regardless of the blip in opposition to Sri Lanka however higher utility from batters is required in opposition to groups with higher bowling models.
The Colombo floor provided loads of seam motion early on within the Bangladesh-Pakistan fixture and India may be tempted to play frontline pacer Renuka Singh, who returned from damage within the collection in opposition to Australia final month. Though she regarded wanting rhythm in coaching on Friday (October 3, 2025).
Alternatively, Pakistan’s major concern is their batting, which faltered badly within the opener. The aspect misplaced wickets in clusters, together with a hit-wicket dismissal, and did not construct partnerships.
Bowlers Fatima Sana and Diana Baig delivered disciplined spells however got too little to defend.
Pakistan might profit from enjoying all their matches on the similar venue, however in opposition to a robust Indian outfit they may want a dramatic turnaround to problem for a beneficial outcome.
Political backdrop
Away from cricket, the competition carries added rigidity. Gone are the times when Indian gamers shared lighter moments with former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s daughter through the 2022 World Cup.
On Sunday (October 5, 2025), in keeping with the stance taken by the boys’s group on the Asia Cup, the Indian gamers are additionally anticipated to skip the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, reflecting the strained ties between the 2 nations.
Squads:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah.
Match begins 3pm IST.
Printed – October 04, 2025 11:44 am IST
