Videos from the sixth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 featuring India and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday have triggered a flurry of discussion on social media, but not for the absence of handshakes. The focus has shifted to the toss itself, where Pakistan captain Fatima Sana appeared to call “tails,” only for the official conducting the toss to declare “heads” as the call. This resulted in Pakistan winning the toss. Notably, the Pakistan skipper did not protest or react to the same. The decision immediately drew attention online, with fans questioning whether Pakistan had “unfairly” won the toss. There has been no official statement confirming the call, leaving the matter unsettled as discussions continued across platforms. Pakistan, after winning the toss, opted to bowl first and quickly made progress, breaking into the Indian batting line-up, picking up crucial early wickets that could influence the outcome of the match. Watch the moment that led to the toss controversy hereAfter 41 overs, India were 179 for 5, with notable contributions from Pratika Rawal (31), Smriti Mandhana (23), Harleen Deol (46), Harmanpreet Kaur (19), and Jemimah Rodrigues (32).
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bowl first. Skipper Fatima Sana attributed the call to the overcast conditions (AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)
Speaking ahead of the toss, India captain Harmanpreet Kaur said: “We played a good series here before the WC. We’re thinking positively and are looking to do well. One unfortunate change — Amanjot isn’t playing (she’s ill), Renuka Thakur replaces her. We’ve gelled well as a team and looking forward to today’s contest.” Meanwhile, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana outlined her team’s approach: “We’re going to bowl first, looks like there could be some moisture on the wicket. One change for us — Sadaf Shamas replaces Omaima Sohail — our confidence is great, hopefully we’ll play better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase.”
Poll
Do you think there was a mistake in the toss result in the India vs Pakistan match?
The toss controversy has added an unexpected layer of controversy to an already tense fixture, with both teams having to focus on handling the pitch, conditions, and pressure of one of cricket’s most high-profile rivalries.
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