The moment of confusion happened during the toss of India versus Pakistan Women's World Cup 2025 at R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, as a miscommunication led to an unexpected result in Pakistan’s favour.
What happened at the toss
The incident happened when India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur tossed the coin, and her counterpart Fatima Sana clearly called “tails.” However, match referee Shandre Fritz appeared to mishear the call as “heads,” which presenter Mel Jones also acknowledged. When the coin landed on heads, the toss was awarded to Pakistan, despite the apparent mix-up.
The decision handed Pakistan an early advantage by allowing them to choose to bowl first in the favourable overcast conditions of Colombo.
Harmanpreet, who didn't shake hands with Sana, also didn't react and approached Jones for a chat after the Pakistan skipper.
India vs Pakistan clash halted due to plenty of bugs in the ground
The India vs Pakistan clash was stopped due to plenty of bugs that distracted both teams in the game. Notably, Harmanpreet Kaur fell for a 34-ball 19 and Jemimah Rodrigues (22 not out) got an early lifeline as India reached 136/3 on a slow wicket against Pakistan after 30 overs
India were off to a good start, reaching 54/1 after 10 overs but Pakistan shifted the momentum of the game to maintain the pressure. Skipper Harmanpreet was caught behind off a delivery from Diana Baig, getting a thick edge that was collected well behind the wickets in the 25th over.
During the 27th over, Rodrigues got a lifeline after she was caught behind off Baig off an inside edge, but it was an illegal delivery as the bowler was found to have overstepped.