Watch: India vs Pakistan toss controversy erupts in World Cup as Fatima Sana declared winner despite wrong call

The ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan exploded into controversy right at the toss at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.

Indian women’s cricket team captain Harmanpreet Kaur tossed the coin, and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana called tails, but it landed on heads. Even the broadcaster Mel Jones and the match referee called it Heads.

Toss confusion adds fuel to India-Pakistan rivalry in ICC Women's World Cup 2025 clash

Pakistan won the toss despite a wrong call and opted to field first, leaving the cricket fraternity questioning the fairness of the moment. Many wondered how Harmanpreet Kaur and the match referee heard heads, with many saying this incident would have sparked outrage had India been on the losing end.

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Earlier, Harmanpreet Kaur and Fatima Sana maintained the ‘no-handshake’ trend that began during the Asia Cup 2025. After the toss, the two captains simply tossed the coin, gave their interviews, and walked back to their respective dressing rooms without greeting each other.

Fatima Sana Pakistan Women's Team Captain during the toss said Tails ...

Match referee called it as Heads...

Now imagine if India would have been on the other side...#INDWvsPAKW #CWC25pic.twitter.com/tuT3BW9eye

— AT10 (@Loyalsachfan10) October 5, 2025

What captains said before the actions?

Harmanpreet Kaur said at the toss, “We played a good series here before the WC. We're thinking positively and are looking to do well. We've gelled well as a team and are looking forward to today's contest.”

Fatima Sana: “Looks like there could be some moisture on the wicket. Our confidence is great; hopefully we'll play better today. Anything under 250 could be a good chase.”

Pakistan’s discipline bowling shakes India in World Cup 2025 clash

Well, India started their innings strongly, and they were looking in control, but Pakistan fought back with tight and disciplined bowling. Their persistence paid off as they struck early, taking the two key wickets of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal in Colombo.

Read Also: India star humiliates ACC ‘Thief’ Mohsin Naqvi for stealing Asia Cup 2025 trophy

Pratika Rawal was looking to cut the ball, but she misjudged Sadia Iqbal's perfectly pitched delivery. The ball held its line and clipped the top of the off-stump, sending the bails flying. Rawal walked back to the pavilion after scoring 31 off 37 balls with five boundaries, leaving India in trouble.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Fatima Sana sent Indian opener Smriti Mandhana back to the pavilion. Mandhana misread Sana’s perfectly pitched delivery, which nipped back sharply and hit her in front of the leg-stump. The ball-tracking confirmed the LBW, and India lost both Mandhana and their review.

Mandhana had scored 23 off 32 balls with the help of four boundaries before departing. The early breakthroughs have shifted the momentum, putting India under pressure and giving Pakistan a chance to take control of the game in the high-stakes clash in Colombo.

India Women holds complete edge over Pakistan in ODIs

Notably, India’s dominance over Pakistan in women’s ODIs is historic. The Indian cricket team has won all 11 encounters so far against Pakistan. When batting first, India has crushed Pakistan in seven matches, winning by an astonishing average of 138 runs.

While chasing the targets in ODIs, Indian girls have made it look effortless, finishing with an average of 8 wickets in hand and 26 overs to spare. They also have a good record in the World Cups as well, with India winning in all four clashes against Pakistan.