India delivered a dominant performance by beating Pakistan by 88 runs in a Women’s World Cup match in Colombo, but the victory was overshadowed by a tense atmosphere on the field. The match was marred by controversy as both captains declined the customary handshake at the toss, and there was little interaction between the teams before or after the game.
The toss itself was chaotic: Pakistan’s captain, Fatima Sana, called “tails,” but the referee and announcer reportedly misheard it as “heads.” This confusion led to the wrong decision being awarded, giving Pakistan the choice to field first.
Batting first, India set a formidable total of 247 runs. Harleen Deol contributed a steady 46 off 65 balls, while Richa Ghosh finished in style with 35 not out from 20 deliveries, including two sixes. In response, Pakistan’s chase faltered early. Though Sidra Amin managed a resilient 81 off 106 balls, wickets tumbled around her. India’s bowlers, led by Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Kranti Goud (who picked up three wickets), sealed the win.
The match did more than just add a win to India’s tally—it intensified an existing rivalry. Throughout the contest, the lack of sportsmanship gestures such as handshakes and formal greetings reflected deeper tensions between the teams.
