NEW DELHI: All eyes will be on Colombo where India will face Pakistan on October 5 in the ongoing Women’s World Cup. The hosts started their campaign with a convincing 59-run win over Sri Lanka, while Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against Bangladesh, bowled out for just 129. Against that backdrop, former India cricketer Saba Karim believes India enter the match as clear favourites.When asked if this could be India’s toughest clash of the tournament, Karim was blunt. “No, not at all. The toughest games will be against England, Australia, and New Zealand. Pakistan came through the qualifiers. Facing a side like India, it will be difficult for them. India are a far superior team,” Saba Karim, JioStar expert, spoke to the press during a Media Day hosted by JioStar ahead of the India vs Pakistan clash in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025 on October 5.Karim also discussed the logistics, noting that Pakistan is playing all their matches at Colombo. “They cannot make that an advantage because they lack the quality. You need to be a strong team to use conditions to your benefit, and unfortunately Pakistan are not at that level,” he added.On the pitches in Colombo, Karim highlighted India’s spin strength. “The wickets are low and the ball turns. Pakistan struggled in their first match against Bangladesh, where spinners took most of the wickets. India have effective spinners like Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Shree Charani, a genuine left-arm spinner. India will get that advantage. They are a complete side and will enter the field as favourites against Pakistan.”Political undertones of the clash were also addressed. Karim confirmed that the Indian women’s team will follow the men’s example from the Asia Cup and will not shake hands with Pakistani players. “Not to that extent, not to that level, but the BCCI has made its stance very clear. The Indian women’s team will behave in the same manner as the men’s team did in the Asia Cup. I don’t think they will shake hands with the Pakistani cricketers. That stance has been very clear, and India will stick to it. Once you are done with all that controversy and concentrate on the game, it becomes very easy. Initially, maybe a little bit here and there, but once you are on the field, everyone will focus on the cricket,” he said.The question of rivalry also came up, referencing Surya Kumar Yadav’s remarks on the men’s head-to-head record. Karim explained his view on what defines a rivalry. “For me, a rivalry exists when two teams are evenly matched over time, when contests are close, and players give more than 100 per cent on the field. That defines a true rivalry.” Looking at the women’s game, he acknowledged India’s dominance. “In women’s ODIs against Pakistan, India have won every match. Most contests have been one-sided. India are far ahead in terms of skill, resources, and support from the BCCI. That gap shows how much India has moved ahead. This is not a rivalry in the traditional sense.”The former cricketer reflected on India’s confidence after their opening win. “In the first game, India lost four wickets early, but the team showed resilience. Previously we thought Smriti Mandana and Harmanpreet Kaur carried all the batting responsibility, but others stepped up. That depth will be a huge boost against Pakistan.”
Fitness of key bowlers was also discussed. Renuka Singh Thakur, who had missed matches due to a stress fracture, might be included against Pakistan. “There is a strong possibility. She is instrumental with the new ball, especially against right-handers, and Pakistan looked vulnerable against that type of delivery. India are flexible and may make changes based on conditions,” Karim said.
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When asked if any Pakistan players could pose a threat, Karim was measured. He said they are not really a threat, but India will prepare for them. Overall, India are far superior, though no team should be taken lightly.Karim concluded that while India’s head-to-head record is heavily in their favour, fundamentals will still be key. “India have a strong batting line-up, depth in bowling, and experienced all-rounders. The spinners are a real asset. If they maintain focus and continue to manage pressure, they can handle Pakistan comfortably and set themselves up for a long World Cup run.
