COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — India Women will take on Pakistan Women in Match 6 of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on Sunday, October 5, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match is being played at a neutral venue due to ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.
India Enter as Clear Favorites
Led by Harmanpreet Kaur, India Women head into the contest as strong favorites after a 59-run (DLS method) win over Sri Lanka in their opening game.
India’s batting lineup looked solid, with key contributions from Pratika Rawal (37), Harleen Deol (48), Deepti Sharma (53), and Amanjot Kaur (57), guiding them to 269 for eight in 47 overs.
India’s bowlers then sealed the win, dismissing Sri Lanka for 211. The performance underlined India’s depth and balance across departments, setting the tone for their World Cup campaign.
Pakistan Seek Redemption
Pakistan, led by Fatima Sana, are searching for momentum after a seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh in their tournament opener. Their batting collapse to just 129 all out exposed weaknesses against both pace and spin.
For Pakistan to challenge India, consistent performances will be needed from Muneeba Ali, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, and Sidra Amin. On the bowling side, Fatima Sana and Diana Baig will spearhead the pace attack, while Nashra Sandhu, who has taken 16 wickets in 2025, will be key in the middle overs.
Head-to-Head Record
India Women have dominated Pakistan in ODIs, winning all 11 encounters since their first meeting in 2005. Their most recent clash at the 2022 World Cup ended in a 107-run victory for India.
Pakistan’s only successes against India have come in T20Is, where they’ve won three out of sixteen games — underscoring India’s firm hold in the 50-over format.
Pitch and Weather Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium traditionally favors batters early, offering bounce and carry. However, as the game progresses, the pitch tends to slow down and assist spinners, making middle-over play crucial.
Fast bowlers could see some early seam movement, particularly if the weather remains overcast. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first.
Rain remains a concern, with showers having already affected the Australia vs Sri Lanka match on Saturday.
Key Players to Watch
🔹 Batter to Watch: Harleen Deol
Deol impressed in India’s opening match with a composed 48 runs, forming a key 67-run partnership with Pratika Rawal after an early wicket. She will be vital in stabilizing the top order against Pakistan’s spinners.
🔹 Bowler to Watch: Deepti Sharma
All-rounder Deepti Sharma remains India’s biggest bowling threat. She took 3 wickets for 54 runs against Sri Lanka and will aim to exploit any turn available in Colombo.
Probable Playing XIs
India Women (IND-W):
Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani
Pakistan Women (PAK-W):
Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Omaima Sohail, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana (c), Rameen Shamim, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal
Match Prediction
If India bat first:
- Powerplay Score: 40–50
- Final Score: 260–290
- Prediction: India win
If Pakistan bowl first:
- Powerplay Score: 50–60
- Final Score: 230–260
- Prediction: India win again
Summary
This Indo-Pak clash promises high intensity and national pride on both sides. India aim to extend their unbeaten ODI streak, while Pakistan chase their first-ever ODI victory over their rivals. With rain looming, adaptability and calm leadership could decide the outcome in Colombo.
