In the 6th match of the Women's CWC, Pakistan won a controversial toss and chose to bowl first. Controversial toss means match referee Shandre Fritz misheard Pakistani Skipper Sana’s call and awarded the toss in her favour. Pakistan bowled out India for 247/10 in 50 overs. This is the first instance when India's women's team was bowled out by the Pakistani women’s team.

Indian Openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika  Rawal provided a steady start, adding 49 runs in 54 balls before Mandhana fell to Sadia Iqbal. The Indian middle order got off to several promising starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Harleen Deol top-scored with 46 off 65balls, while Richa Ghosh played a quick knock of 35 off 20 balls. Pratika Rawal 31 runs,  Jemimah Rodrigues 32runs, Deepti Sharma 25 runs also contributed, but none could anchor the innings long enough to push the total past 250.

Pakistan’s bowlers were disciplined and effective at crucial moments. Diana Baig emerged as the most successful bowler with figures 10-1-69-4 though slightly on the expensive side. Skipper Fatima Sana and Rammen Shamim bowled outstanding spells today, finishing with 10-2-38-2 and 10-0-39-1 respectively. Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu chipped in with two and one wicket each. Overall, it was a well-coordinated bowling effort that kept India from posting a commanding total.

What's next

At the toss, Pakistani captain Saba had mentioned that anything under 259 would be a chaseable target, and her team would be pleased with how the innings unfolded. However, we look at the recent record of both teams, India has the upper hand. This chase promises to be an exciting game ahead.