India Women began their campaign in the Women’s World Cup 2025 on a strong note, defeating co-hosts Sri Lanka Women by 59 runs in a rain-affected clash at the ACA Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, on September 30. The match was interrupted several times by showers and was eventually reduced to a 47-overs-per-side contest after Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss and opted to bowl first.
The hosts had a shaky start as star opener Smriti Mandhana departed early for just 8 runs. However, Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48) steadied the innings with a solid partnership, guiding India to 81 before both fell in quick succession. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur (21) and Jemimah Rodrigues (0) failed to make a significant impact, leaving the side under all sorts of pressure.
The Lankan Lionesses found themselves back in the game when experienced left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera produced a brilliant over, dismissing three batters and finishing with figures of 4/46. For the Indians, wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh also fell cheaply for 2, deepening their troubles.
The rescue act came through Deepti Sharma (53) and Amanjot Kaur (57), who stitched together a superb 103-run stand for the seventh wicket. Their counter-attacking partnership lifted India to a commanding total. Sneh Rana added late fireworks with a quick 28 as India Women posted 269/8 in 47 overs. Sri Lanka’s Udeshika Prabodhani also impressed, taking 2/55.
Chasing 270, Sri Lanka struggled for momentum. Athapaththu top-scored with 43, while Nilakshi de Silva contributed 35, but regular breakthroughs by India’s bowlers kept the hosts in check. The innings folded at 211 in 45.4 overs, handing India a comfortable 59-run victory and their first two points of the campaign. For India, Deepti Sharma capped off a fine all-round performance with 3/54, while Sneh Rana (2/32) and Shreyanka Patil (2/37) provided strong support.
Key moments from IND W vs SL W, Match 1 of Women’s World Cup 2025:
Deol provides a steady start
03:28 PM · Sep 30, 2025
The right-handed batter Harleen Deol gave India stability at the top after the early dismissal of star opener and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. She combined with Rawal to add a crucial 67-run stand for the second wicket off 96 balls, ensuring India recovered from the initial setback. Deol played with composure, scoring 48 runs from 64 deliveries, laced with six boundaries.
Amanjot’s maiden fifty signs off in style
07:41 PM · Sep 30, 2025
The all-rounder Amanjot Kaur showcased maturity and flair in the latter half of India’s innings, stitching together a match-defining 103-run partnership with Deepti Sharma for the seventh wicket. Coming in at a tricky stage, she counter-attacked smartly and brought up her maiden international half-century, scoring 57 runs off 56 balls, decorated with five boundaries and a six.
Deepti’s all-round brilliance
09:48 PM · Sep 30, 2025
Deepti Sharma delivered a complete performance in the tournament opener. With the bat, she anchored the lower middle order, scoring 53 runs, which included three boundaries, to guide India to a competitive total. Later, with the ball, Deepti turned the match decisively in India’s favour, returning figures of 3/54 from 10 overs, including a maiden. Her ability to contribute in both departments made her the standout performer, and she was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:
