New Delhi: India’s women’s cricket team faces Pakistan in their Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 match at R Premadasa Stadium on October 5. Following a victory against Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, the squad is eager to secure consecutive wins against their rivals.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur aims to overcome past disappointments in ICC tournaments and achieve the inaugural World Cup title for the senior women’s team. This matchup marks the first occasion that India competes against Pakistan without legendary players Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami, both of whom have retired. Raj, the former captain and all-time leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs, concluded her illustrious 23-year career in June 2022. Goswami, the leading wicket-taker in women’s ODI history, retired in September 2024 after a celebrated 20-year career.
India and Pakistan have clashed four times in Women’s ODI World Cups prior to their upcoming match, with Indian players winning all four encounters. Significantly, this World Cup marks the first time since 1997 that India has participated in the tournament without either Raj or Goswami. Raj contributed to every ODI World Cup since 2000, while Goswami has been a fixture since 2005.
The rivalry between India and Pakistan in women’s cricket has seen India maintain an unbeaten 11-0 record. For the match in Colombo, India opted to bat first and made one change to their Playing XI, bringing in Renuka Singh Thakur for the ill Amanjot Kaur. Pakistan also made a substitution, with Sadaf Shamas replacing Omaima Sohail.
At the toss, Pakistan skipper Fatima stated, “We’re going to bowl first; it looks like there could be some moisture on the wicket. One change for us – Sadaf Shamas replaces Omaima Sohail. Our confidence is great, and hopefully, we’ll play better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase.”
In turn, India’s Harmanpreet commented, “We played a good series here before the World Cup. We’re thinking positively and are looking to do well. One unfortunate change – Amanjot isn’t playing due to illness; Renuka Thakur replaces her. We’ve gelled well as a team and are looking forward to today’s contest.”
