Women’s World Cup 2025 Opener: India Overpower Sri Lanka

India kicked off the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a dominant performance, overpowering Sri Lanka in their opening match. Played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the game was reduced to 47 overs per side due to intermittent showers. Despite the weather interruptions, India showcased superior batting, disciplined bowling, and sharp fielding, securing a 59-run victory and sending a strong message to the competition.

 Early Challenges in a Rain-Affected Match

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit the overcast skies. India’s innings began steadily with openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal aiming to build a solid foundation. Mandhana fell early, bringing Harleen Deol to the crease to stabilize the innings.

Although India faced a middle-order collapse, the lower-order players stepped up to ensure a competitive total. Their ability to handle pressure was evident as they adapted to the rain-affected conditions.

 Lower-Order Heroes: Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur

Deepti Sharma, playing her 100th ODI, played a composed innings of 53 runs off 53 balls. Amanjot Kaur complemented her effort with 57 runs off 56 balls. The pair stitched a crucial 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket, pushing India to a total of 269 for 8 in the 47 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera emerged as the standout bowler, claiming four wickets for 46 runs and breaking key partnerships, but India’s lower-order resilience proved decisive.

Sri Lanka’s Batting Efforts

Chasing a revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, Sri Lanka faced an uphill battle. Captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 43 runs, while Harshitha Samarawickrama added 29 in a 52-run partnership. Despite their initial resistance, the Sri Lankan middle order struggled to maintain momentum.

Deepti Sharma returned to the attack to claim three wickets, supported by Sneh Rana and Shree Charani. Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for 211 runs in 46 overs, handing India a convincing 59-run victory. India’s sharp fielding and disciplined bowling were key contributors to their success.

Historic Milestones and Records

The match also set significant milestones. The Barsapara Stadium saw a record attendance of 22,843 spectators, surpassing the previous high for a women’s cricket match in India. Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance further strengthened her position as one of India’s top women cricketers, moving her to second place on India’s all-time women’s ODI wicket-takers list.

Captain’s Perspective

India captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised the team for maintaining composure and adaptability under pressure. She emphasized the importance of starting the tournament with a win and highlighted the squad’s readiness for upcoming challenges. Kaur’s leadership continues to inspire confidence as India sets its sights on the World Cup trophy.

 Key Performances

Deepti Sharma: 53 runs off 53 balls, 3 wickets
Amanjot Kaur: 57 runs off 56 balls
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): 43 runs
Inoka Ranaweera (Sri Lanka): 4 wickets for 46 runs
These performances underline India’s depth and ability to deliver under pressure, while Sri Lanka showed moments of promise despite the defeat.

 Looking Ahead

India’s commanding opener sets a strong foundation for the rest of the World Cup campaign. With a balanced team of experienced players and emerging talents, India appears well-positioned to challenge for the title.

The upcoming matches against top-ranked teams will further test India’s skills, but this strong start has given the squad confidence and momentum.

 
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage

The victory generated excitement across India. Social media platforms were abuzz with praise for Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur’s crucial partnership. Analysts commended India’s strategic approach in handling rain interruptions and pressure situations. Fans enjoyed detailed ball-by-ball updates, live commentary, and post-match analysis, which kept engagement high throughout the game.

Conclusion

India’s opening victory against Sri Lanka in the Women’s World Cup 2025 demonstrated skill, determination, and teamwork. Strong individual performances, critical partnerships, and disciplined bowling highlighted India’s dominance and set the stage for an exciting tournament.

This win boosts team morale and reaffirms India’s status as a leading contender in women’s cricket. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances as India continues its pursuit of the coveted World Cup trophy.