Guwahati: Team India delivered a commanding 59-run victory over arch-rivals Sri Lanka in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup opener in Guwahati on Tuesday, amid a rain-soaked spectacle.
Batting first after a brief shower, India amassed a formidable 269 in 50 overs, only for Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) adjustments to revise Sri Lanka’s chase to 271 in 47 overs — a target that proved insurmountable as the Islanders crumbled to 211 all out.
The Indian innings, after a mid-order wobble at 120 for four, exploded into life through a gritty rescue act. All-rounder Deepti Sharma anchored with a composed 53 off 53 balls, forging a match-turning 103-run stand with Amanjot Kaur, who blazed an unbeaten 57 off 56 at No. 8. Lower down, Sneha Rana’s explosive 28-off-15 added fireworks, while openers Pratika Rawal (37) and Harleen Deol (48) laid solid foundations.
Deepti’s dominance extended to the bowling crease, where she claimed 3 for 54 in nine overs, dismantling Sri Lanka’s top order. Sneha Rana and Sri Chanu snared two wickets apiece, with every Indian bowler — Kranti Gaud, Amanjot, and Pratika included — chipping in for at least one scalp.
Sri Lanka, slumping to 140 for six, showed fight through Nilakshi de Silva’s determined 35, but Rana’s lethal yorker sealed their fate, clean-bowling her. Chamari Athapaththu’s gritty knock ended at 17.
Captain Deepti hailed the team’s resilience: “Our lower order’s belief turned the game.” As jubilant fans erupted, India’s powerhouse performance signals strong title aspirations in a campaign brimming with promise. Next up: Australia awaits.