India’s women’s cricket team started the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on a high note, beating Sri Lanka by 59 runs in their opener at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, Assam. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur heaped praise on her players, especially Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur, for their standout performances that turned the game around.
Deepti Sharma shone with both bat and ball. She smashed a quick half-century off 53 balls and then took three key wickets, including Sri Lanka skipper Chamari Athapaththu, to rattle the opposition. “It wasn’t an easy game, but our batters handled the middle overs brilliantly,” Harmanpreet said after the win. She highlighted the duo’s composure: “The way Deepti and Amanjot stepped up was outstanding. Our batting depth makes a big difference.”
After India slumped to 124 for six—thanks to Sri Lanka’s sharp bowling—Deepti and Amanjot forged a crucial 103-run partnership for the seventh wicket. They chatted during the innings about pushing the score deep into the overs, aiming for the 46th or 47th. “That partnership was a turning point after we lost quick wickets,” Deepti reflected. “I’m used to high-pressure moments, and I just focused on enjoying my batting and sticking to my stock ball to hit the stumps.” She added that the first match sets the tone, and the team is buzzing with positives heading into more wins.
Debutant Kranti Gaud got India off to a strong start in bowling, dismissing opener Hasini Perera with a low delivery that crashed into the stumps. Sneh Rana chipped in with a fiery 28 off 15 balls, including two fours and two sixes, to help India cross 250 runs.
On the Sri Lanka side, captain Chamari Athapaththu tipped her hat to bowlers Inoka Ranaweera and Udeshika Prabodhani for their experience. Ranaweera, in particular, flipped the game by grabbing four wickets, including Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet, leaving India at 121 for five. At 43, she became the second-oldest player to take a four-wicket haul in women’s ODIs and the oldest to do so in a Women’s World Cup.
Still, Chamari pointed to dropped catches and early wickets as the downfall. “We executed our plans well, but those mistakes hurt,” she said. “Inoka and Udeshika bowled superbly, and we’ve got faith in our young batters. Chasing gets tough when wickets tumble.”
This thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 clash showcased India’s resilience and Sri Lanka’s fightback spirit, setting up an exciting tournament ahead.
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