COLOMBO: For the fourth consecutive Sunday, cricket fans are treated to another Pakistan-India clash, this time with the women taking center stage in the humid and unpredictable weather of Colombo, far removed from Dubai’s dry heat.
In this regard, the excitement remains the same, the contrast between the two teams runs deep from resources to opportunities.
In this sense, Indian players enjoy access to lucrative tournaments like the Women’s Premier League, where top performers earn over $400,000.
So far, many of Pakistan’s domestic women cricketers still earn less than the national minimum wage, mentioning a stark disparity in financial backing and infrastructure.
The difference shows on the field too. India head into the encounter on the back of a confident win over co-hosts Sri Lanka, while Pakistan are seeking restoration after a surprise defeat to Bangladesh, a team they had comfortably beaten in April’s qualifiers.
Despite the pressure, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana appeared composed and optimistic in Saturday’s pre-match press conference.
Furthermore, the brushing aside talk about off-field controversies and recent handshake debates from the men’s Asia Cup, Fatima emphasized her team’s focus on the game.
Fatima also indicated on the camaraderie between the two sides, recalling a lighter moment from the last World Cup in New Zealand when Indian players interacted warmly with Bismah Maroof’s baby.
Meanwhile, the Indian camp sent bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi to the press conference in place of captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and questions about men’s cricket rivalries spilling into the women’s game were left unanswered, deemed “too political” by organizers.
In addition, with rain forecast again for Sunday, conditions at the R. Premadasa Stadium are expected to favor bowlers. Pakistan’s Diana Baig and India’s Sneh Rana will be key players to watch.
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Pakistan has never beaten India in One-Day Internationals, but their T20 record offers some hope with three victories, including one in the 2012 World Cup.
