A contest high on emotions and low on cricketing nuance pits India, the overwhelming favourites, against a disjointed Pakistan still trying to find balance and rhythm in a Women’s World Cup game amid continuing geopolitical tensions between the two bitter neighbours.
After three Sundays of India-Pakistan men’s Asia Cup matches, it’s time for the women to take centrestage, though the record suggests little suspense about the outcome.
India and Pakistan have played 27 times in women’s internationals across formats. India hold a commanding 24-3 advantage, with Pakistan’s three wins coming only in T20 cricket.
In ODIs, India have a 100 percent record, winning all 11 matches between the two sides. Both teams began their World Cup campaigns in contrasting fashion. India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs.
In contrast, Pakistan, collapsed against Bangladesh, losing by seven wickets in a match where they struggled against both pace and spin.
India currently occupy the fourth spot after all teams have played a game each. The Women in Blue will eye the opportunity to boost their net run rate, which becomes crucial at the fag end of the tournament.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. will head into the fixture high on confidence. The squad depth was on full display in the opener when despite staring down the barrel at 124 for 6, the lower middle order rose to the occasion putting up a 250 plus target in 47 overs.
Smriti Mandhana, India’s vice-captain, said the atmosphere during India-Pakistan games is always very intense, with a full house and people urging them to win from the morning. She added that such an atmosphere often brings out the best in players, and she and her teammates absolutely enjoy it.
Rain threat
On Saturday, the clash between co-hosts Sri Lanka and holders Australia in Colombo was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain. The same venue is slated to host the India-Pakistan game.
However, with more showers forecast in the next 24 hours, that encounter too may end up being affected by bad weather.
Political backdrop
Away from cricket, the contest carries added tension. Gone are the days when Indian players shared lighter moments with the former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s daughter during the 2022 World Cup. On Sunday, in line with the stance taken by the men’s team at the Asia Cup, the Indian players are also expected to skip the handshake with their Pakistani counterparts.
Fatima Sana, Pakistan captain, said that after the Pakistan-India match in the 2022 World Cup, the entire Indian team came and met them. She added that the way they celebrated and interacted was really special, and that was when she felt they shared a great relationship with the Indian team.
After three Sundays of India-Pakistan men’s Asia Cup matches, it’s time for the women to take centrestage, though the record suggests little suspense about the outcome.
India and Pakistan have played 27 times in women’s internationals across formats. India hold a commanding 24-3 advantage, with Pakistan’s three wins coming only in T20 cricket.
In ODIs, India have a 100 percent record, winning all 11 matches between the two sides. Both teams began their World Cup campaigns in contrasting fashion. India defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs.
In contrast, Pakistan, collapsed against Bangladesh, losing by seven wickets in a match where they struggled against both pace and spin.
India currently occupy the fourth spot after all teams have played a game each. The Women in Blue will eye the opportunity to boost their net run rate, which becomes crucial at the fag end of the tournament.
Harmanpreet Kaur and Co. will head into the fixture high on confidence. The squad depth was on full display in the opener when despite staring down the barrel at 124 for 6, the lower middle order rose to the occasion putting up a 250 plus target in 47 overs.
Smriti Mandhana, India’s vice-captain, said the atmosphere during India-Pakistan games is always very intense, with a full house and people urging them to win from the morning. She added that such an atmosphere often brings out the best in players, and she and her teammates absolutely enjoy it.
Rain threat
On Saturday, the clash between co-hosts Sri Lanka and holders Australia in Colombo was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of persistent rain. The same venue is slated to host the India-Pakistan game.
However, with more showers forecast in the next 24 hours, that encounter too may end up being affected by bad weather.
Political backdrop
Away from cricket, the contest carries added tension. Gone are the days when Indian players shared lighter moments with the former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof’s daughter during the 2022 World Cup. On Sunday, in line with the stance taken by the men’s team at the Asia Cup, the Indian players are also expected to skip the handshake with their Pakistani counterparts.
Fatima Sana, Pakistan captain, said that after the Pakistan-India match in the 2022 World Cup, the entire Indian team came and met them. She added that the way they celebrated and interacted was really special, and that was when she felt they shared a great relationship with the Indian team.
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