Daijiworld Media Network - Colombo

Colombo, Oct 5: In a much-anticipated group-stage showdown at the 2025 Women’s World Cup, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first against hosts India at the R Premadasa Stadium. India, buoyed by their commanding 59-run win over Sri Lanka in the tournament opener, will be aiming to extend their dominance over Pakistan in women’s ODIs, where they hold an unbroken 11-0 record.

India made one change to their lineup, bringing in pace spearhead Renuka Singh Thakur in place of all-rounder Amanjot Kaur, who was ruled out due to illness. While Renuka’s inclusion strengthens India’s pace attack, Amanjot’s absence leaves the batting slightly thinner. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur acknowledged the setback but expressed confidence in the team’s momentum and unity heading into the match.

Pakistan also made a solitary change, with Sadaf Shamas replacing Omaima Sohail. Captain Fatima Sana Khan cited overcast conditions and possible moisture on the pitch as reasons to bowl first, adding that anything under 250 would be a chaseable target.

Notably, the toss saw no handshake between the two captains, mirroring the tense atmosphere seen in previous India-Pakistan men’s encounters.

A win for India today could significantly boost their net run rate ahead of tougher fixtures in the group stage, while Pakistan will be desperate to bounce back after their seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh.

Playing XIs

India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh Thakur

Pakistan: Muneeba Ali, Sidra Amin, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Pervaiz, Fatima Sana Khan (capt), Sidra Nawaz (wk), Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Sadaf Shamas