India defy insects to cruise to frosty Women’s World Cup defeat of Pakistan

The seam bowler Kranti Goud and the spinner Deepti Sharma took three wickets each as India routed Pakistan by 88 runs in their Women’s World Cup match, which began like recent ones between the countries men’s teams without a handshake from the captains and then featured a disputed run-out of a Pakistan opener.

India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, did not shake hands with Pakistan’s Fatima Sana during the toss and the teams walked off without greeting each other after the match amid political tensions between the two south Asian neighbours.

The captains at the recent men’s Asia Cup in the United Arab ­Emirates also did not shake hands at matches between India and Pakistan. India has accused Pakistan of being involved in attacks on tourists that killed dozens.

India lost the toss and were all out for 247 in 50 overs. Their ­openers, Pratika Rawal and the star batter Smriti Mandhana, shared 48 runs for the first wicket before Sana had Mandhana lbw for a 32-ball 23. Rawal made 31 before she was bowled by the left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal. Kaur scored 19 before she was caught behind off Diana Baig.

Harleen Deol top-scored for India with 46 and Richa Ghosh made a quick-fire 35 not out to lift their team to a competitive total.

Jemimah Rodrigues (32), Sharma (25) and Sneh Rana (20) all made valuable contributions, while Baig took four for 69 for Pakistan and Iqbal and Sana had two wickets each. The match was stopped for 15 minutes because insects were bothering the players.

Pakistan were dismissed for 159 in 43 overs. The only half-century of the game in Colombo came from Sidra Amin, who made 81.

Pakistan’s first wicket was lost in a confusing manner when the opening batter Muneeba Ali was adjudged run out. Ali had grounded her bat after returning to her crease, having moved forward to play a shot. Her bat was then seen to be lifted when an India throw hit the stumps. Sana argued with the fourth umpire that the batter was not attempting a run but the decision stood.

Amin’s 106-ball innings included a six and nine fours. Goud took three wickets for 20 runs and Sharma returned three for 45.