NEW DELHI: A clash rich in emotion rather than strategy sees India as overwhelming favourites against a struggling Pakistan side in the Women's ODI World Cup, with the added backdrop of ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two neighbours. Following three high-voltage men's Asia Cup matches, it is now the women's teams' turn to take centre stage - though history suggests little suspense about the outcome. India and Pakistan have faced each other 27 times in women's internationals across formats, with India holding a commanding 24-3 advantage. Pakistan's three victories have all come in T20 cricket, while India maintain a perfect 11-0 record in ODIs. India vs Pakistan Women's ODI World Cup 2025: When and where, predicted playing XI, key players, streaming details and more The teams began their World Cup campaigns in contrasting fashion. Hosts India opened with a convincing 59-run win over Sri Lanka. Pakistan, by contrast, suffered a heavy seven-wicket defeat to Bangladesh, struggling against both pace and spin. India currently sit fourth in the standings, with all teams having played one game each. The Women in Blue will look to capitalize on this fixture to boost their net run rate, which could prove crucial in the later stages of the tournament. 📍 ColomboTarget 🎯 game 🔛 Point 😎Cheer for the #WomenInBlue and get your #CWC25 tickets now 👉 https://t.co/vGzkkgwXt4#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/n27gddNkM5 — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 4, 2025 Harmanpreet Kaur and her team will enter the match brimming with confidence. The squad's depth was on full display in the opener, when, despite being in trouble at 124 for 6, the lower middle order rose to the occasion and posted a 250-plus target in 47 overs. India's batting remains their biggest strength despite the blip against Sri Lanka but better application from batters is required against teams with better bowling units. The Colombo surface offered plenty of seam movement early on in the Bangladesh-Pakistan fixture and India might be tempted to play frontline pacer Renuka Singh, who returned from injury in the series against Australia last month. Although she looked short of rhythm in training on Friday. On the other hand, Pakistan's main concern is their batting, which faltered badly in the opener. The side lost wickets in clusters, including a hit-wicket dismissal, and failed to build partnerships. Bowlers Fatima Sana and Diana Baig delivered disciplined spells but were given too little to defend. Pakistan may benefit from playing all their matches at the same venue, but against a strong Indian outfit they will need a dramatic turnaround to challenge for a favourable result. Political backdrop Away from cricket, the contest carries added tension. Gone are the days when Indian players shared lighter moments with former Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof's daughter during the 2022 World Cup. On Sunday, in line with the stance taken by the men's team at the Asia Cup, the Indian players are also expected to skip the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, reflecting the strained ties between the two countries. Squads: India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud. Pakistan: Fatima Sana (captain), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice captain), 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. Match starts 3pm IST.