India kicked off the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with an impressive performance, securing a commanding win over Sri Lanka in their opening match. Played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, the match was reduced to 47 overs per side due to intermittent showers. Despite the challenging weather, India displayed skill, composure, and teamwork, leaving fans thrilled and optimistic about their tournament campaign.
Rain-Interrupted Start
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first, taking advantage of overcast skies and the possibility of rain interruptions. India’s innings began steadily, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal attempting to build a strong foundation. Mandhana was dismissed early, which brought Harleen Deol to the crease to stabilize the innings.
Despite some middle-order setbacks, India demonstrated resilience, keeping their focus on posting a competitive total.
Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur Lead the Recovery
India’s lower-order partnership proved decisive in rescuing the innings. Deepti Sharma, celebrating her 100th ODI, scored a composed 53 runs off 53 balls, while Amanjot Kaur contributed 57 runs off 56 balls. Together, they added 103 runs for the seventh wicket, guiding India to a total of 269 for 8 in the allotted 47 overs.
Sri Lanka’s Inoka Ranaweera stood out with the ball, claiming four wickets for 46 runs and delivering critical breakthroughs to keep her side in contention.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Response
Chasing a revised target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method, Sri Lanka began with determination but quickly lost early wickets. Captain Chamari Athapaththu contributed 43 runs, while Harshitha Samarawickrama added 29 in a 52-run partnership.
Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka’s middle order struggled against disciplined Indian bowling. Deepti Sharma returned to claim three wickets, supported by Sneh Rana and Shree Charani, leading to Sri Lanka being bowled out for 211 in 46 overs. India’s fielding and bowling consistency were key factors in restricting the opposition.
Historic Milestones
The match also set new records in terms of audience engagement. The Barsapara Stadium saw a crowd of 22,843 spectators, surpassing the previous attendance record for a women’s cricket match in India. Deepti Sharma’s all-round performance further cemented her legacy, moving her to second place on India’s all-time women’s ODI wicket-takers list.
Captain’s Insights
India captain Harmanpreet Kaur expressed pride in her team’s performance, highlighting their ability to stay calm under pressure. She noted the importance of starting the tournament with a win and praised the squad for demonstrating adaptability and teamwork. Kaur emphasized that the victory would boost morale as India faces tougher challenges ahead in the World Cup.
Key Performances
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Deepti Sharma: 53 runs off 53 balls, 3 wickets
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Amanjot Kaur: 57 runs off 56 balls
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Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka): 43 runs
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Inoka Ranaweera (Sri Lanka): 4 wickets for 46 runs
These performances highlight the depth of talent in both teams, with India showing composure, strategy, and resilience when it mattered most.
Looking Ahead
India’s dominant victory over Sri Lanka provides a solid foundation for the rest of the tournament. With a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent, the team is well-positioned to challenge for the title.
The upcoming matches against top-ranked teams will test India’s skills further, but this opener has set a positive precedent and provided the squad with confidence moving forward.
Fan Reactions and Media Coverage
Fans across India celebrated the team’s performance, with social media abuzz praising Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur’s crucial partnership. Analysts highlighted India’s strategic approach in handling rain-affected conditions and pressure situations. Live commentary, ball-by-ball updates, and post-match analysis kept fans engaged throughout, solidifying India’s position as a favorite in the tournament.
Conclusion
India’s victory over Sri Lanka in the Women’s World Cup 2025 opener showcased skill, resilience, and teamwork. Strong individual performances combined with strategic partnerships and disciplined bowling have set the stage for an exciting tournament.
This win not only boosts team morale but also reinforces India’s status as a leading contender in women’s cricket. Fans can look forward to more thrilling performances as India pursues the coveted World Cup trophy.
