India registered a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, played on Tuesday (30th September) at Guwahati.
Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and elected to bowl first. India made a steady start, reaching 43 for 1 before rain halted play for nearly an hour. On resumption, the game was reduced to 48 overs per side.
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India looked solid at 120 for 2 after 25 overs, but left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera turned the tide dramatically with a sensational 26th over, where she picked up three wickets. India suddenly found themselves struggling at 124 for 6.
However, Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur steadied the ship with a superb seventh-wicket stand. The pair added 103 runs off 99 balls, frustrating the Sri Lankan attack. Kaur struck a fluent 57 off 56 deliveries (5 fours, 1 six), while Sharma contributed 53 off 53 balls (3 fours). A brief second rain interruption in the 40th over reduced the innings to 47 overs, at the end of which India posted a competitive 269 for 8.
For Sri Lanka, Ranaweera was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 4 for 46, while Udeshika Prabodhani chipped in with 2 for 55.
As per the DLS adjustment, Sri Lanka were set a target of 271 in 47 overs. Their chase began promisingly with Athapaththu (43) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (29) providing a strong foundation. Later, Nilakshi de Silva fought with a resilient 35, but lack of support from the rest of the middle order saw Sri Lanka bowled out for 211 runs.
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Sharma, who had shone with the bat earlier, also starred with the ball, finishing with 3 for 54, capping off a memorable all-round display.
With this result, India made a strong start to their World Cup campaign, while Sri Lanka will look to bounce back in their next fixture against Australia on the 4th October at R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo.
Brief Scores
India Women – 269/8 (47) Amanjot Kaur 57, Deepti Sharma 53, Harleen Deol 48, Inoka Ranaweera 4/46, Udeshika Prabodhani 2/55
Sri Lanka Women – 211 (45.4) Chamari Athapaththu 43, Nilakshi de Silva 35, Harshitha Samarawickrama 29, Deepti Sharma 3/54, Sneh Rana 2/32, Shree Charani 2/37
Result – India won by 59 runs (DLS Method)
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