The much-anticipated ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday began under tense circumstances, as captains Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana chose not to shake hands at the toss. The unusual snub reflected simmering tensions between the sides following recent controversies in men’s cricket. The toss itself sparked debate online. Videos showed Fatima Sana apparently calling “tails,” but the official declared “heads,” handing Pakistan the toss and the decision to field first. Fans on social media were divided over the call, though Pakistan skipper did not react to the same.
A tense exchange occurred in the 22nd over of India’s innings. One delivery earlier, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur had sent Nashra Sandhu down for a boundary.On the next ball, after playing a dot, Sandhu picked up the ball and made a mock throw in Kaur’s direction, accompanied by a fierce glare, seemingly attempting to unsettle the Indian skipper.Kaur, however, chose not to respond, keeping her focus firmly on her innings. Although she did mutter some words under her breath, it is unclear what was spoken.India’s innings faced another unusual disruption when a swarm of flies interrupted play. Pakistan spinner Nashra Sandhu was frequently seen swatting away insects, while Harleen Deol stepped away from the crease to shoo them off. The Pakistan captain even used some bug spray, but to no avail. Play was briefly halted as a masked staff member applied bug spray, and fumigation was also carried out to clear the pitch. Watch the ground staff dealing with the bug issue here The match produced some comic moments as well. In the 50th over, India’s Richa Ghosh top-edged a pull shot off Diana Baig, offering an easy catch between the wicketkeeper and backward point. Both fielders collided attempting the catch, letting her off the hook. The drama continued as Kranti Gaud and Renuka Singh Thakur were dismissed off successive deliveries, adding to the tense clash.Watch the comical moment here Pakistan’s chase saw controversy early on. Opener Muneeba Ali was run out in the fourth over following a sharp direct hit from Deepti Sharma. Replays showed her bat lifted from the crease as the ball struck, overturning an initial “not out” call and leaving her dismissed for 2 off 12 balls. Fatima Sana was seen arguing the decision with officials amid the confusion. Later, a heated moment occurred between Deepti Sharma and Sidra Amin in the 34th over of Pakistan’s innings. Amin charged for a quick single, and Sharma’s throw at the non-striker’s end struck Amin on the back of her leg, briefly halting play. Amin received medical attention before resuming her innings. Deepti was later named best fielder of the match, saying, “God is great,” in a BCCI video.
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Despite India’s strong fielding leadership from Deepti, Harmanpreet, and Smriti Mandhana, the fixture remained heated throughout, with no handshakes at the end of the match, reflecting the charged atmosphere in Colombo. The match combined tense cricket, controversial decisions, comical fielding moments, and unusual interruptions, undoubtedly making it the most talked-about encounter of the Women’s World Cup so far.
