IND-W vs PAK-W toss controversy, referee’s mistake in the match increased the controversy: The Women’s World Cup 2025 match between India Women and Pakistan Women began on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Every time India faces its arch-rivals, the match brings unusual or controversial moments, and this match was no different, as the toss witnessed a major controversy.
Pakistani captain Fatima Sana’s decision was misjudged by the match referee and broadcaster when Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur tossed the coin. Notably, Fatima called ‘tails,’ but match referee Shandre Fritz and announcer Mel Jones heard it as ‘heads.’
The coin actually landed on heads, and Fatima won the toss by mistake, electing to field. Harmanpreet did not object to the decision at the time.
Watch Video
Toss happens for #indvpak match –
Harmanpreet toss the coin
Pak Captain – Tails
Match Referee – Heads is the call… And It’s heads.
Seriously Dumbo?#INDvsPAK
— Abhishek (@extraa2AB) October 5, 2025
Both teams made one change each to their playing elevens for this second league-stage match. Pakistan replaced Omaima Sohail with Sadaf Shamas, while India replaced the unwell Amanjot Kaur with Renuka Singh Thakur. Meanwhile, the captains did not shake hands at the toss, following India’s stance of not shaking hands against Pakistan, as in the Asia Cup 2025.
Also Read: Explained: Why Harshit Rana consistently selected in Team India
The Indian women’s team defeated the Sri Lanka women’s team by 59 runs (DLS method) in their first match of the tournament, while the Pakistan women’s team lost to the Bangladesh women’s team by seven wickets.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team has historically dominated the Pakistan women’s team, winning all 11 previous ODIs. The hosts will look to continue their impressive record and consolidate their position, while the Pakistani women’s team will be determined to open their account in this high-profile tournament.
Also Read: Why was Rohit Sharma stripped of the ODI captaincy?
