Pakistan full of belief ahead of big India showdown at CWC25

Broadcast Details for the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

Coming off a first-up defeat at the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, there's instant pressure on a Pakistan side which now matches up against powerhouse and rival India.

But the group are embracing the enormity of the occasion. Speaking ahead of the World Cup showdown, captain Fatima Sana insists her side will do their best to not only handle the high pressure scenario but thrive.

"We know that when it’s India versus Pakistan, the whole world is watching, and the fans are watching too," she said.

"So yes, there is pressure, but the main thing is how we handle it. We’ll try to focus on our game, execute our plans, and play the way we’ve prepared."

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Pakistan are hoping to quickly put their first-up performance in the rear-view mirror. They suffered a seven-wicket loss to Bangladesh on the third day of the tournament to commence their campaign on the back foot.

"The coaches have told us to believe in our team, because the whole tournament is still left," she continued.

"You can’t define a team by one match, and one bad day can’t define a team. Obviously, we have belief we can still do it. We will try to perform well. The way we played in the qualifiers and other matches, we performed very well as a team. So we can’t think that one bad game defines us. Personally, I feel the Pakistan team has the ability to play well and win against any big team. So we shouldn’t judge the team based on one match.

"The team’s momentum and morale are high right now, and we just want to tell the fans — don’t judge us on one performance. Support us, and we’ll try to perform our best."

Diana Baig looms as a crucial cog for Pakistan. She was a shining light against Bangladesh, bowling a very tight 1/14 off eight overs and contributing down the order with the bat too (16* off 22 balls).

"Definitely everyone knows that (Diana is) one of our best players," Sana continued.

"She’s a good bowler and also a very good fielder. So definitely it boosts our team as well. She’s always a motivated person in our team and always tries to give 200 percent for the team. We want that kind of player in our squad, and she’s the best for the team."

At only 23, Sana is thankful for the leadership assistance she is afforded in the Pakistan ranks as she continues to grow into the role.

"The way our team is right now, and the unity we have – obviously as a young captain it’s challenging, but with their support, I don’t feel it much," she continued.

"Seniors like Sidra, Aliya (Riaz), and even Diana always make sure the team stays united. If someone makes a mistake, someone else immediately covers it up. Their support is very important to me because they always stand by me. They know I have room to make mistakes, and if I do, they help me."

It points to a team that leans on an array of contributors. And they'll be looking to put it all together on cricket's biggest stage in Colombo.

Pakistan Squad: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah

India Squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana

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