Handshakes still off as India meet Pakistan

India men's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav recently termed the India-Pakistan contest as "not a rivalry anymore." In women's cricket, however, the difference is even starker -- Pakistan have never managed to match India's level, especially in the longer format. The two politically charged nations will face off in an ICC Women's World Cup game today at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, where tensions are expected to mirror the unfriendliness seen during the recent Men's Asia Cup.

• Pakistan will be seeking their first-ever win over archrivals India in Women's ODIs. The two teams have met 11 times, with India winning on each occasion.
• The gulf between the sides is reflected in the results: India have won by over 100 runs five times, by 10 wickets twice, and their narrowest margins stand at six wickets and 80 runs.
• Following the precedent set by the Indian men's team during the recent Asia Cup in Dubai, the Indian women are also reported to be avoiding customary handshakes with Pakistani players.
• Harmanpreet Kaur's India opened their World Cup campaign with a win over Sri Lanka, and another victory today would put them on top of the table.
• Fatima Sana's Pakistan, meanwhile, suffered a heavy defeat against Bangladesh in their first match and are still looking for their first points.
• Yesterday's match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo was washed out without a ball bowled, and there remains a forecast of light rain for today's game at the same venue.