High Stakes in Colombo: India-Pakistan Women’s World Cup Clash Faces Rain and ‘No Handshake’ Controversy

Colombo, Oct 2025 : Whenever India and Pakistan meet on a cricket field, the atmosphere brims with anticipation and electric energy — and today’s Women’s World Cup 2025 showdown at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is no different. The two arch-rivals are set to face off in what promises to be one of the most thrilling encounters of the tournament. However, ahead of the clash, two off-field developments are grabbing attention — Team India’s no-handshake policy and Colombo’s unpredictable weather, which threatens to play spoilsport.

The match is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., but according to the Meteorological Department and AccuWeather, heavy rainfall is expected in the city earlier in the day. Forecasts suggest a 50 percent chance of rain by noon, and the sky is likely to remain 99 percent cloudy through the afternoon. Even a light drizzle could disrupt the much-anticipated match, leaving fans anxious about a possible washout. The ground staff, however, is working tirelessly to ensure that the pitch and outfield are ready despite the challenging weather.

India’s No-Handshake Policy Sparks Debate

In a move that has generated both curiosity and controversy, the Indian women’s team has decided to abstain from the traditional post-match handshake with Pakistan’s players. The decision, reportedly driven by security and political sensitivities, is part of a broader “no-handshake” policy recently adopted by the team management.

While critics have questioned the spirit of such a move in the context of sportsmanship, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the team’s management have clarified that the decision is a precautionary measure, not a political statement. “The focus must remain on cricket,” a team official was quoted as saying. Players have been advised to maintain a professional demeanor and avoid unnecessary controversy on or off the field.

Strong Start for India in the Tournament

Team India enters the contest in high spirits after an impressive start to their World Cup campaign. In their opening match, the Indian side defeated Sri Lanka by 59 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method, showcasing both depth and balance across departments.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and opener Smriti Mandhana led from the front with the bat, while Renuka Singh Thakur and Deepti Sharma were outstanding with the ball, maintaining relentless pressure on the opposition. The team now aims to secure a second consecutive victory, which would boost their points and improve their net run rate, potentially placing them at the top of the group standings.

A One-Sided Rivalry on Paper

Historically, India has enjoyed complete dominance over Pakistan in women’s One-Day Internationals (ODIs). The two sides have met 11 times since 2005, and India has won all 11 encounters — a record that clearly reflects the gulf in experience and consistency between the two teams.

In their last World Cup meeting, India registered a comfortable win, and many expect a similar outcome this time. India’s batting strength — anchored by Mandhana, Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues — coupled with a potent spin attack led by Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, makes them the firm favorites.

India currently sits fourth on the points table with two points from one match, while Australia leads with three points from two games.

Pakistan Seeks Redemption

Pakistan, on the other hand, enters the match looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss in their previous fixture. The team will rely heavily on Sidra Amin and Muneeba Ali to anchor the batting, while Nashra Sandhu and Fatima Sana — who also captains the side — will spearhead the bowling attack.

For Pakistan, a win against India would not only revive their campaign but also break a two-decade-long losing streak against their neighbors. However, statistics and current form suggest that the task will be far from easy.

Weather and Pitch Conditions Could Be Crucial

Colombo’s weather remains the biggest concern. Saturday’s Australia–Sri Lanka match at the same venue was abandoned without a toss due to persistent rain. The damp pitch and overcast skies could once again influence play, with fast bowlers from both sides likely to extract early movement.

The temperature is expected to hover around 32°C during the afternoon and dip to 28°C in the evening, with humidity levels making conditions testing for players.

Fans Hope for a Full Match Despite Forecast

Despite weather concerns, excitement remains high among fans, both in Colombo and across the subcontinent. The recent triumph of the Indian men’s team over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, including three consecutive wins en route to the title, has further raised expectations for a repeat by the women’s side.

As both teams take the field, cricket enthusiasts are hoping that rain stays away — allowing the sport, and not the weather or politics, to take center stage.

Probable Playing XIs

India Women: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Amanjot Kaur, Uma Chhetri, Shree Charani.

Pakistan Women: Muneeba Ali, Umaima Sohail, Sidra Amin, Rameen Shamim, Aliya Riaz, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper), Fatima Sana (captain), Natalia Pervez, Diana Baig, Nashra Sandhu, Sadia Iqbal, Shawal Zulfiqar, Ayman Fatima, Syeda Aroob Shah, Sadaf Shamas.