In the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 match against arch-rivals, Team India, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana has won the toss and elected to bowl first at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
Earlier, in the concluded men`s Asia Cup 2025, the Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India did not shake hands with any of the Pakistani players. Later, after the Asia Cup 2025 triumph, the “Men in Blue” also refused to accept the trophy from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief, Mohsin Naqvi.
The Indian women`s cricket team captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, also followed the no handshake policy against the Pakistani skipper, Fatima Sana, during the toss of the ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 in Colombo.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had conveyed to the players to avoid the customary handshake with the Pakistan team. Mel Jones conducted the toss, and both the captains maintained their distance during the ceremony.
So far, the “Women in Blue” have a dominating record against Pakistan with 11-0 in the One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
India received a huge blow as Amanjot Kaur missed the clash against the arch-rivals Pakistan as she sustained an injury. In her place, Renuka Singh will feature in the team. The team will heavily rely on Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues to deliver crucial performances in the match against Pakistan.
On the other hand, Pakistan replaced Omaima Sohali with Sadaf Shamas.
The hostilities between the two neighbours are at an all-time high after the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 Indian tourists were gunned down by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
India had subsequently launched a military action under `Operation Sindoor` to dismantle terror infrastructure across the border.
ODI Women`s World Cup 2025, IND W vs PAK W: Confirmed Playing XI
Indian women`s team: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur(c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Renuka Singh Thakur, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani.
Pakistan women`s team: Muneeba Ali, Sadaf Shamas, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Fatima Sana(c), Natalia Pervaiz, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal.
(With PTI Inputs)