India Women vs Pakistan Women – ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Match Preview

Date: Sunday, 5th October 2025
Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Start Time: 10:30 AM GMT | 03:30 PM IST

Match Overview

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 reaches one of its most anticipated fixtures as India Women face Pakistan Women at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This highly charged encounter, set against the backdrop of regional tensions and a historic rivalry, promises to be a thrilling contest on both the field and off it.

India, winners of their opening match against Sri Lanka, will look to continue their momentum, while Pakistan, after a disappointing start against Bangladesh, will be eager to bounce back and register their first win of the tournament.

Team Form

India Women
India began their World Cup campaign on a high, defeating Sri Lanka in a convincing fashion. With Smriti Mandhana in scintillating form and Sneh Rana continuing her ODI dominance, the team is in good shape. Deepti Sharma and Kranti Goud provide balance with both bat and ball, and the depth in the squad gives them a strong chance to perform consistently.

Pakistan Women
Pakistan's opening match proved challenging as they fell to Bangladesh, with Sidra Amin being the only consistent performer. The team struggles when Amin is dismissed early, and they will need a collective effort, especially from their bowlers led by Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana, to make a statement in this crucial match.

Players to Watch

India Women

• Smriti Mandhana – The leading run-scorer of the year, Mandhana is a key asset for India. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes her indispensable.
• Sneh Rana – A leading wicket-taker in 2025, Rana is India's match-winner with her all-round abilities.
• Kranti Goud – Provides crucial support with the ball, with a sharp economy rate and an ability to break partnerships.

Pakistan Women

• Sidra Amin – The team's mainstay with the bat, Amin has scored heavily and can single-handedly change the course of the game.
• Nashra Sandhu – Pakistan's leading wicket-taker in the tournament so far, with a knack for picking up key wickets.
• Fatima Sana – As captain and all-rounder, she will be expected to lead from the front and deliver a performance that inspires her team.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• India: 5 wins
• Pakistan: 0 wins

The last five encounters have been one-sided in India's favor, with margins ranging from 107 runs to 10 wickets. India's dominance in this rivalry is well-established, but Pakistan will be eager to break the trend in Colombo.

Venue Insights – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• Average 1st Innings Score (2020–2025): 257.0
• Bowling Averages (Fast Bowlers): 39.84 | Economy: 5.67
• Bowling Averages (Spin Bowlers): 32.74 | Economy: 5.19
• Win Percentage: 50% batting first, 50% batting second

The R Premadasa Stadium is a balanced venue, and the toss could play a pivotal role in determining the game's direction.

Squads

India Women

• Captain: Harmanpreet Kaur
• Wicketkeeper: Richa Ghosh
• Key Players: Smriti Mandhana, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Pratika Rawal

Pakistan Women

• Captain: Fatima Sana
• Wicketkeeper: Muneeba Ali
• Key Players: Sidra Amin, Nashra Sandhu, Aliya Riaz, Eyman Fatima

Pre-Match Tensions

The match comes at a time when cricket diplomacy is under the spotlight. Following the handshake controversy in the Men’s Asia Cup, questions remain about whether the Indian and Pakistani players will shake hands before the match. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia has remained non-committal, stating that India will follow the MCC regulations but not guarantee any form of interaction.

Despite the off-field tensions, the focus remains on the cricket. Both teams are based in Colombo, and the neutral venue allows the players to focus on their game without political distractions.

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: Pakistan
• Match Winner: India
• Top Batter: Smriti Mandhana (India)
• Top Bowler: Sneh Rana (India)
• Most Sixes: Smriti Mandhana (India)
• Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana (India)
• Team Scores:
  • India (batting first): 260+
  • Pakistan (batting second): 210+

Conclusion

This India vs. Pakistan clash is more than just a World Cup match; it's a showcase of two of the most passionate cricketing nations. While India's form and dominance in recent meetings give them the edge, Pakistan will be determined to upset the odds and secure a historic victory.

The match is expected to draw a global audience and will be a defining moment of the tournament. Cricket fans around the world will be watching closely, not just for the on-field action, but for the nuances of sportsmanship and diplomacy in one of the most storied rivalries in the sport.
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