India Beat Pakistan in Women's World Cup, No Handshake Policy

India extended their unbeaten streak against Pakistan in women’s ODI cricket, securing a commanding 88-run victory in their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter at the R Premadasa Stadium. The win marked India’s 12th consecutive triumph over their arch-rivals in ODI cricket.

The highly anticipated match saw India post 247 runs in their allotted 50 overs before restricting Pakistan to just 159, maintaining their perfect record against their neighboring nation in World Cup encounters.

Table of Contents

No Handshake Policy Continues from Men’s Asia Cup

Following the precedent set during the men’s Asia Cup 2025, both teams continued the controversial no-handshake policy. Captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana avoided shaking hands during the toss, and players from both sides maintained the same protocol after the match concluded.

“We’re here to focus on our cricket and deliver our best performance,” Harmanpreet stated during the pre-match press conference, choosing not to elaborate on the handshake policy.

The policy, which became prominent after India’s Asia Cup triumph against Pakistan in the men’s tournament, has now carried over to the women’s game, with vegas11 News sources confirming that both cricket boards had agreed to the arrangement prior to the World Cup.

Kranti Goud’s Bowling Masterclass Breaks Pakistan’s Backbone

India’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Kranti Goud, dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup with clinical precision. Goud’s devastating spell with the new ball removed Pakistan’s top-order batters, leaving them reeling early in the chase.

“I just wanted to keep it simple and bowl in the right areas,” Goud said after her three-wicket haul. “The team needed early breakthroughs, and I’m glad I could deliver.”

Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana provided crucial support in the middle overs, ensuring Pakistan never found momentum in their chase of 248 runs.

Sidra Amin’s Lone Resistance Not Enough

Pakistan’s Sidra Amin emerged as the lone warrior for her side, scoring a defiant 81 runs. Her knock included elegant stroke play and determination, but lacked sufficient support from the other end.

“Sidra showed great character today,” Pakistan captain Fatima Sana acknowledged. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t build partnerships around her innings.”

Natalia Pervaiz contributed 33 runs, but the remaining batting order crumbled under pressure from India’s disciplined bowling attack.

India’s Batting Display: Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh Shine

Earlier, India’s innings was built on crucial contributions from Harleen Deol (46) and Richa Ghosh (35 not out). While the hosts were bowled out on the final delivery of their innings, they posted a competitive total that proved more than sufficient.

Pakistan’s Diana Baig impressed with four wickets, but her efforts couldn’t prevent India from crossing the 240-run mark. The pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium offered some assistance to seamers, making India’s total even more challenging.

India Tops World Cup Points Table

With this victory, India jumped to the top of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 points table with four points from two matches, replacing Australia. The team has showcased dominant performances in both their opening fixtures, signaling their intent as tournament hosts.

“Topping the table is great, but it’s still early days,” Harmanpreet remarked. “We need to maintain this momentum throughout the tournament.”

As reported by Vegas11 News, India’s comprehensive victory has boosted confidence in the camp, with the team management praising the balanced performance from both batting and bowling units.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

India will look to continue their winning streak when they face their next opponent, while Pakistan needs to regroup quickly to stay in contention for the knockout stages. The Women’s World Cup 2025 continues to deliver high-octane cricket, with the India-Pakistan clash living up to its billing as one of the tournament’s marquee fixtures.

The no-handshake policy, while controversial, hasn’t overshadowed the quality of cricket on display. Both teams demonstrated skill and competitiveness, reminding fans why India versus Pakistan matches remain the most watched encounters in cricket.