Women’s World Cup: Insects bring abrupt halt in IND W vs PAK W clash at Colombo; play resumes after fumigation

Fatima Sana uses bug spray to clear field during India vs Pakistan match. (Photo: X)

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan witnessed an unusual interruption on Sunday (October 5) when a swarm of flying insects invaded the field. The umpires were compelled to halt play in Colombo as ground staff stepped in to improve conditions and ensure a comfortable environment for both teams.

Before the pest control team arrived at the ground, Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana was seen spraying something on the field to make conditions better.

Such interruptions are uncommon in international cricket, but the conditions in Colombo made it possible. The warm and humid weather in the region often attracts insects to the field, occasionally disrupting play.

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Interestingly, a significant blunder occurred at the toss, involving match referee Shandre Fritz. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur tossed the coin, and Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana appeared to call “tails.” However, Fritz mistakenly recorded it as “heads,” creating confusion and controversy even before the match had begun.

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The no-handshake policy, previously observed during the men’s Asia Cup encounters between the two nations, continued in this match as well. At the toss, Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur and Pakistan captain Fatima Sana avoided a handshake before the start of play. Fatima Sana went on to win the toss and opted to field first against India.

"To be honest, I had to concentrate a lot more, the bugs were swarming along. The pitch was under covers for 48 hours, there was moisture around and it wasn't coming onto the bat, so I think 247 is a fighting total. I was batting in the middle, so I don't really know (on the decision to keep Richa Ghosh for later), but I think the feeling was to get her in the last 5-6 overs and give her the freedom to play her shots which I think she did superbly today. This is a fighting score, but we'll still have to come out, bowl and field well to win today," said Jemimah Rodrigues after the first innings.